(Wed. Feb. 16th, 2022) Akron-Native Pianist Kofi Boakye returns to newest season of "Showtime at the Apollo"
He’s baaack! Catch Akron-Native Pianist Kofi Boakye competing back on the Legendary Apollo Theater stage for the Opening Night of “Amateur Night At The Apollo” in Harlem, New York. For ticket information, click below
“When the Apollo calls, you better answer! I’m so grateful for another opportunity to represent my hometown on one of the world’s biggest stages again!
Apollo Theater, I missed you! I’ll see you on Feb. 16th. Let’s Go!”
AKRON, OH – (Feb. 1, 2022) 22-year-old Pianist & Berklee College of Music Student Kofi Boakye is making his return to the Opening Night of “Amateur Night At The Apollo” on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 in Harlem. This will be the second year the Ohio-Native musician competes in the long-standing historic competition; and the Apollo's 1st return of Amateur Night since its near three-year pandemic hiatus.
The Apollo Theater is known for birthing the legendary music careers of icons such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, and H.E.R., and continues to maintain its position as the world’s most popular arena for emerging and established African-American entertainment.
Now, Kofi looks to etch his name in that history.
In this opening night show, Kofi looks to bring home a first round win and have the chance to return to the Quarter Final round of competition held on March 23rd, 2022—making him one step closer to the $20,000 Grand Prize.
Kofi hopes that winning the grand prize can contribute to continuing his education in Boston at Berklee.
With the help of his community and supporters in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, Kofi was able to crowdfund his first year at the prestigious college. His fundraising achievements, paired with a partial scholarship from Berklee, helped to cover Kofi’s 1st year of attendance in the 2019 Fall Semester. The unforeseen COVID-19 Pandemic put a halt into his educational path. “I had to switch the focus from schooling, to surviving.” said Kofi. Now, he is reaching back out to his supporters far and wide to help him get back to his dream music school.
At the young age of 15, Kofi was accepted into the University of Akron School of Music’s Jazz Program in Akron, Ohio, making him the youngest African American pianist to ever be accepted into a collegiate-level jazz program at the University.
Kofi found music as a way to growth and success. “I’m African-American and from a single- parent household. Statistically, I’m not supposed to achieve the feats of being accepted into prestigious and competitive colleges like Berklee. But you don’t let the past define you,” said Kofi. “You can create your own story, all you have to do is write it. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I relish the change. I relish the college. Most importantly, I relish the challenge. I can’t wait to get back to Berklee and show what another kid from Akron is made of.”
In 2018, Kofi joined the ranks of Black-ish star Anthony Anderson, R&B songstresses Lauryn Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and American Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith in winning the Silver medal in the NAACP ACT-SO National Competition; making him the first person from Akron to ever win.
While music remains at the core, Kofi’s accolades extend beyond the concert stage. In 2014, President Barack Obama and the White House awarded Kofi with the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. In 2019, Kofi received a Regional Emmy Nomination for his film "Kofi: Made In Akron”, a short-film documentary created in co-production with Pritt Entertainment Group.
“From growing up in the inner cities of Akron, seeing the yellow tape and police sirens all throughout my childhood, the hunger to strive for greatness and do something positive in my life has always been a motivating factor for myself,” Kofi shared.
To support Kofi’s educational efforts, visit www.KofiBMusic.com/donate.
The Apollo Theater’s season opener will air live via The Apollo Theater's social media pages (YouTube & Facebook) on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022 in Harlem, New York. Tickets to the live show are on sale now at www.ApolloTheater.org. For the safety of audiences and staff, all ticketholders and attendees of this event must provide proof of vaccination in order to enter the theater.