Kofi (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kofi
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Carol Simms |
| Born | 1961 (age 63–64) Lambeth, London, England |
| Genres | Lovers rock, reggae, soul, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Labels | Ariwa, Cousins, Koffe an Kreem |
| Associated acts | Brown Sugar |
Carol Simms, known by her stage name Kofi, is a British singer. She is famous for her lovers rock music. Before starting her solo career, Kofi was part of a music group called Brown Sugar.
Contents
Early Life and Music
Carol Simms was born in 1961 in Lambeth, South London. She was the third youngest of six children. Growing up, her home was filled with music. She heard many styles like ska, reggae, jazz, and soul. This helped her love for music grow.
Kofi even tried acting for a short time. She went to drama school. But soon, her desire to make music became her main focus. When she was 14, Kofi wrote to a local newspaper. An article about her dream to become a singer was published.
Musical Journey
Starting with Brown Sugar
Kofi first became successful as a member of a group called Brown Sugar. This group was a trio, meaning it had three singers. The other members were Caron Wheeler and Pauline Catlin. Brown Sugar became very popular. They reached the top of the UK reggae charts three times.
Their first number one song was "I'm in Love With a Dreadlocks" in 1977. This song was also the first release from a new record label. The label was called Lover's Rock. It was started by Dennis Harris, John Kpiaye, and Dennis Bovell. The name of this label later became the name for this type of music. Years later, in 2005, Kofi and Caron Wheeler sang together again. This happened at a special event in London.
Solo Career Success
After Brown Sugar ended in the mid-1980s, Kofi started her solo career. She worked with a producer called Mad Professor. She released three albums on his Ariwa Sound record label. Kofi had many hit songs on the British reggae charts.
She re-recorded some Brown Sugar songs like "I Am So Proud" and "I'm in Love With a Dreadlocks". She also had new hits like "Didn't I" and "Looking Over Love". On "Didn't I," Kofi even played the bass guitar. She also sang a duet with John McLean. It was a version of Alton Ellis' song "I'm Still in Love with You."
In 1990, Kofi's song "Proud of Mandela" reached number one. This song was a collaboration with Macka B. It was a version of The Impressions' song "I'm So Proud." In 1988, Kofi won awards for "Best Female Vocalist." Her songs "Didn't I" and "Black Pride" also reached number one. She won more awards in 1989. These awards showed she was one of the top singers in Lovers rock music.
Exploring New Music Styles
Kofi was asked to try singing soul and R&B music. She started writing songs specifically for these styles. She got this chance through Jazzie B from the group Soul II Soul. Motown Records hired Jazzie B to create a new record label called Funki Dreds. He was looking for new artists in the UK, and Kofi was signed to this label.
In 1992, Kofi was featured on the Soul II Soul Volume III – Just Right album. She sang on the tracks "Move Me No Mountain" and "Future." During this time, Kofi released only one single, "Step By Step," in 1992.
While working with Motown, Kofi also worked on a music project for Disney/Buena Vista. This project was called Simply Mad About the Mouse: A Musical Celebration of Imagination. It was a musical tribute to Disney films. Many famous artists sang songs from Disney movies in their own style. These artists included LL Cool J, Gipsy Kings, Michael Bolton, and Billy Joel. Kofi sang her version of "Kiss The Girl" from the movie The Little Mermaid.
Recent Years
Kofi later worked closely with producers Mafia & Fluxy. Her songs were included on many compilation albums. In 2008, her album Rocking Eternally was released. The 2011 album Kofi & Friends showed Kofi singing more roots reggae music. On this album, she shared songs with other famous reggae artists. These included Freddie McGregor, Luciano, Michael Rose, George Nooks, Morgan Heritage, and Earl Sixteen.
In 2011, a film called The Story of Lovers Rock was released. It was directed by Menelik Shabazz. The film featured Kofi talking about her music and included music from Brown Sugar.
In 2010, Kofi began living in Barbados. She performed many different music styles there. She sang at hotels and other places around the island. In 2012, she worked with new producers. She also released a new EP called Sweetness & Thanks. Several singles in different music styles were also released. Her album Rocking Eternally was re-released that year too.
Kofi was the final performer at The Giants of Lovers Rock event in 2012. She also performed her own solo shows. The next year, she sang with Sanchez, John Holt, and Frankie Paul at the Barbados Reggae Festival. She also performed at the St Lucia Jazz Festival in the same year.
In 2016, Kofi returned to the UK. She planned to stay for a while to finish a new album and several singles. These new songs will show her different music styles. They will include songs in Soul/R&B, Reggae, and Jazz.
Albums
- Black...With Sugar (1989, Ariwa)
- Wishing Well (1992, Ariwa)
- Friday's Child (1994, Ariwa)
- Rocking Eternally (2008, Cousins; 2012, Mafia & Fluxy)
- Kofi and Friends (2011, Cousins)
Awards and Achievements
- 1988 BRIA award for reaching number 1 with "Didn't I" and "Black Pride"
- 1988 BRIA award "Best Female Vocalist"
- 1989 BRIA award for reaching number 1 with "Dread A Who She Love" and "Proud of Mandela"
- 1989 Jamaica Gleaner Awards "Best British Female Singer"
- 1990 Entertainments Enterprise Annual Celebrity Awards "Best Female Singer" – for outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry
- 2009 BRIA "Reggae Achievement Award"
- 2011 HiCrEc Award "Best Female Vocalist"
