From his humble beginnings in Scarborough, Toronto to training for the Olympics and touring the world, Kofi has morphed from college volleyball superstar to culture-shifting singer, rapper, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Having worked with the likes of Boslen and 2KBABY, he’s a weapon in the studio as much as he is on the court. This summer he’s released a string of singles that serve unparalleled beats and honest lyrics with no room for apologies. Today’s track, “I Know” is no different. Check it out below and hear from Kofi himself.
First we’d like to start off by asking what city do you rep these days? Being from Toronto, living in France, and roots in Ghana – you’re a global guy.
I’ll always rep Scarborough. It doesn’t matter how far or where I go, East Scarborough made me who I am.
Tell us about your latest release, “I Know”. What’s the story behind this one?
I wrote this song in Paris two years ago on my first Europe tour. It encapsulates the time in my life where I was in a situationship that probably wasn’t healthy but was lit.
For all the singles you’ve released this summer, what did the creative process look like? Did you collaborate with anyone in the studio?
I keep my musical circle super tight. This next release I did everything on, but even on the others it’s really just my manager and creative guy, and we craft the songs together from start to finish.
Your sound is multi-dimensional, with various genres and flavors mixed in. What are some of your influences that have shaped your music?
I listen to everything. I think that’s what has shaped and continues to shape my sound the most. From Sam Cook, to Drake, to Fela, to Adele. I think with anything, the wider your base of knowledge is, the more you can do in that space.
You have quite an interesting resume as both an artist and an athlete. When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
And same question but in regards to playing pro volleyball.I’ve always been around music. Growing up, I played the piano, guitar, sang, and even played the trombone. Making the switch to make music professionally came in my last year of high school – I had been working as a producer in my home studio recording local artists. I started to experiment with recording myself and never looked back. Volleyball, for me, came a little later than others that play the sport. I started playing when I was 15 and honestly, I was terrible. I had a 15-inch vertical. Brian Singh, who was my coach throughout my youth career, played a crucial part in my development, and I wouldn’t be the player I am without him.
What does a typical day look like juggling music and sports full time?
I typically have two practices a day so one early morning weight lift and then another practice later in the afternoon where I scrimmage. I’ll come back home, shower, eat, and then begin my day with my music work. Since I am 9 hours ahead of LA where the label is and 6 hours ahead of Toronto time, I won’t start with the music stuff until about 6pm my time.
When you’re warming up on the court, what are you listening to?
It’s funny actually, most people would think I’m listening to some crazy rap pump up song but I’m really listening to some slow old-school Blues or R&B. Nina Simone is definitely in the rotation.
What’s next – are these singles leading up to a larger body of work?
I have a larger body of work on the way and I’m super excited to share it with all my supporters.
When will we be able to see you live?
Tough to say honestly, but since I’m now playing Pro and spending a lot of time overseas, I’d really like to do a show out here sometime.
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