Akron Native Kofi B. Wins ‘Amateur Night At The Apollo’ $20,000 Grand Prize
Kofi Performs “Say Yes” in the Grand Finale of the Apollo Theater’s “Amateur Night At The Apollo” | Photo courtesy of the Apollo Theater
HARLEM, NY – (Nov. 26, 2022) Akron native Kofi Boakye has been crowned the official winner in the 88th Season of the famed “Amateur Night at The Apollo” competition in New York City.
Boakye, affectionately nicknamed “The Other Kid From Akron”, first performed in the competition in February.
Amateur Night at The Apollo returned this year after a nearly three-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Round after round, Boakye amazed crowds with his rendition of the song “Say Yes'' by Floetry. Wednesday night, by applause, the Apollo crowd voted Boakye the winner of the $20,000 grand
prize.
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’s name is forever etched in that history.
“This journey has truly been incredible. Growing up in my hometown of Akron, Ohio I’ve always dreamed of moments like winning Amateur Night At The Apollo, but you never know if you’ll be able to achieve them.
To join the ranks of the Apollo Legends who have graced that stage as a champion of this historic competition is truly a surreal feeling.”
Kofi Boakye, professionally known as Kofi B. is a 23 year-old, 2x Emmy-Nominated musician, producer, and actor born and raised in Akron, Ohio. Kofi B’s creative approach to music has garnered the attention of millions globally on social media. In 2018, Kofi joined the ranks of ‘Black-ish’ star Anthony Anderson, R&B songstresses Lauryn Hill, Jennifer Hudson, and Alicia Keys in winning the Silver medal in the NAACP ACT-SO National Competition. While music remains at the core, Kofi's accolades extend beyond the big stage. In 2021, Kofi launched his media production company, BlaBoak Ventures, and in April of 2022, Kofi and BlaBoak Ventures received two Emmy Nominations from the Great Lakes Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for interviews and musical content produced under his company.
He aims to use the Grand Prize toward fueling his budding music career and continuing to showcase his musical talents to the world.
Link to Kofi’s Final Round Performance and Judging Segment can be found on his Facebook Page, click here!