Photography Courtesy of Shane Wynn Photography

Award-winning pianist Kofi Boakye makes returns back to his hometown school of Miller South School For Visual & Performing Arts.

Community members are rallying beside Kofi R. Boakye, a 19-year-oldaward-winning keyboardist, songwriter, and producer on Thurs., Jan. 31, 2019, at The Tangier Event & Entertainment Centerto support Kofi and his financial efforts as he prepares for college at Berklee College of Music.

At the age of 15, Kofi was accepted into the University ofAkron School of Music’s Jazz Program, making him the youngest African American pianist to ever be accepted into a collegiate-level jazz program at the University. And in Sept. of 2016, Kofi performed at the Akron Civic Theatre, making him the first teen pianist to ever headline a show at the iconic theatre. 

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 a prestigious and competitive music college 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 show Berklee what another kid from Akron is made of.”

Though many of his experiences stem from inside the United States, Kofi refined his talents on the world stage, as well, touring Germany and Prague with the Miller South Show Choir. 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. 

“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.

 Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow and Getta Kutuchief, Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Summit County Juvenile Court are thrilled to support Kofi in his efforts to continue his music education and were eager to co-host this concert in his honor. 

“Kofi has been working very hard to ensure he is successful and representing Akron at Berklee,” Getta shared. “It is important for the community to rally around him and send our own ‘kid from Akron’ to Boston.”