Essenam K² 
Drawing inspiration from his mum’s Christian devotion, Kofi Dosu, a Togolese diasporan musician lives for and breathes gospel music. How did he become a musician? How has the music journey been for him so far? And what are his projects for the future? Those are questions he agreed to provide answers for and open up to our readers.
Drawing inspiration from his mum’s Christian devotion, Kofi Dosu, a Togolese diasporan musician lives for and breathes gospel music. How did he become a musician? How has the music journey been for him so far? And what are his projects for the future? Those are questions he agreed to provide answers for and open up to our readers.
Hi Sir!
Hi MyAfricanInfos!
Kindly tell our readers about yourself!
I was born Dosu Kofi. My stage name is Kofi Faya or The Fire Man as some people would affectionately call me.
Why the name Kofi Faya?
“Kofi Faya” (where Faya stands for fire), is a nickname given to me by the fans. I think it’s their way of expressing the energy they feel when they come to my live shows. They equally refer to me as “The Fire Man” for the same reasons. Naturally, I am rather a calm person, however anytime I mount the stage I feel like another person, full of energy and passion for music.
The group’s name “The Fire Keepers” was picked from the Bible Leviticus 6: 12-13 according to King James Version says:
12 And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.
13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.
As the scripture put it, we are therefore priests who burn offerings of good smells for the Lord our God. Our duty is to keep the fire burning day and night. The fire must never go out. And as far as we (my music group) are concerned, we do that through music and our daily lives.
How did your relationship with music come about?
Music is my biggest passion. Indeed, I was born from Christian parents who worship Jesus with all their heart as a result of the personal experiences they have had with him. Primarily, I draw inspiration from my mum. She used to wake up very early in the morning for her morning usual prayer and sang hymns of worship which have impacted me till date. Even as an adult today, I can still hear her singing voice in my head.
When I was about 14 or 15 years old I had the opportunity to join the musical group in my church, where, I learned to sing, play a bit of drums, piano and guitar. So, my passion has just grown over the years to lead me at the end to a musical career.
Why Gospel Reggae?
At some point in my journey, I came across South African artist Lucky Dube’s music and that informed my penchant towards Gospel Reggae. However, I am a fan of all music that inspires and awakens the consciousness of the Human Being.
As a Christian, the word of God is my first source of inspiration when I write music. I am a follower of Jesus, his ambassador, and for me, music is a good–news– spreading tool.
How many albums and performances do you have to your credit?
I am currently living in Minneapolis, USA where I have put together in 2008 a Gospel Reggae / Inspirational music band named “Kofi & The Fire Keepers” alias TFK with which I produced albums and put up concerts.
“Kofi & the Fire Keepers” played:
– The International Reggae and World Music Festival in Duluth, Minnesota sharing the same stage with international artists like Morgan Heritage, Nkulee Dube (the daughter of Lucky Dube) etc.
– The Carifest (Caribbean Festival) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
I also organize concerts in local churches in Minneapolis and surrounding areas.
To my credit, I have two albums: “Arise & Shine” released in 2011 and “Here I Am” in 2012.
I am currently in the studio working on the third album which will be entitled “Unbreakable” and is scheduled to be released during the summer of 2018.
What are your future’s plans?
In the future, I intend to travel around the world with my music and the good news of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, taking part in music festivals that the church does not reach.
I also intend to return to my country Togo to organize a great concert with other Gospel artists.
The release of my new album “Unbreakable” is equally part of my plans.
In the very short term, I have a Worship Concert coming up on May 4 and 5, 2018 at the Power International Restoration Church in Richfield, MN (Minneapolis).
In addition, there is a Concert meant for the release of the new album in summer which date will be announced later.
What are your main challenges?
Fortunately for me, I am an independent artist (laughing out). Therefore, I do not depend on any record label. I like this freedom because it allows me to remain faithful to my vision and my call. Sometimes it’s a bit difficult to have all the financial resources needed to produce and promote the music.
However, I give glory to God. He is always faithful. He opens doors of blessing to me and always provides for my needs.
What’s your advice for the younger ones who look up to you?
To the youth who would like to also make music, I entreat them to be humble and to seek God’s will first for their lives because humility precedes glory. Music should not be made for the sake of popularity but for a specific purpose that will bring about a positive change to the world.
I will then tell them to believe in God and in themselves because with Him everything is possible.
A word for the youth?
Find out who Jesus Christ is and how to have a personal relationship with him. Love God with all your heart, soul and strength. Love your neighbor as yourselves. May the ways of the Lord please you and fulfill the desires of your heart.
Favorite quotes?
“I have a dream”; Martin Luther King
“Falling is allowed, getting up is commanded”; Russian proverb
“The doors of the future are open to those who know how to push them”; Coluche
How can one get in touch with you?
Kofi Faya (Kofi & Thefirekeepers)
Website: www.kofiandthefirekeepers.com
I appreciate the opportunity to talk about my music with the world. May God Bless you, Shalom.
