Femi Koya is a Nigerian-born, Johannesburg-based saxophonist, vocalist, composer and Afrobeat artist whose music brings together the sounds of West and Southern Africa.
Born Olufemi Ogunkoya in Lagos, Nigeria, Femi grew up surrounded by the rhythms and traditions of Nigerian music. His earliest musical experiences included traditional drumming, and he initially began playing trumpet before expanding to piano and eventually discovering the instrument that would become central to his career — the saxophone.
Femi relocated to South Africa in 2005, where Johannesburg’s vibrant live-music scene became an important influence on his artistic development. His music evolved into a distinctive fusion of Afrobeat, West African Highlife, jazz and South African Sophiatown-inspired sounds, creating a musical dialogue between his Nigerian heritage and his adopted South African home.
An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, Femi has experience on saxophone, trumpet, keyboards, trombone and guitar, although the saxophone remains his signature instrument. His influences include African and international music greats such as Fela Kuti, Hugh Masekela, Manu Dibango, Baaba Maal, Bob Marley and John Coltrane.
Femi has shared stages with an impressive collection of international and African artists, including Youssou N’Dour, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, John Legend and King Sunny Adé. His festival career has also placed him on programmes alongside artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Oliver Mtukudzi, Salif Keita and Baaba Maal.
His collaborative recording work includes respected South African artists such as Pops Mohamed, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Simphiwe Dana, while his broader musical collaborations have connected him with musicians from across the continent.
Femi’s recording career includes the albums Just in Newtown, Iba and Village Afrobeat, as well as the EP Ori Mi. His debut, Just in Newtown, was inspired by Johannesburg’s Newtown cultural precinct and reflected the meeting point between his West African musical heritage and South Africa’s jazz tradition.
At the heart of Femi’s work is a strong Pan-African philosophy. His compositions explore African identity, unity, migration, community and cultural connection, using music as a vehicle to celebrate the shared heritage of the continent.
As a live performer, Femi is equally effective delivering a sophisticated saxophone-led jazz performance or fronting a high-energy Afrobeat ensemble. His combination of saxophone, vocals, African rhythms and charismatic stage presence makes him particularly suited to corporate events, African-themed functions, international conferences, festivals, gala dinners and cultural celebrations.
Career Highlights
- Nigerian-born, Johannesburg-based musician
- Professional saxophonist, vocalist, composer and songwriter
- Performs Afrobeat, Highlife, jazz and African world music
- Shared stages with Youssou N’Dour, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, John Legend and King Sunny Adé
- Performed on festival programmes alongside Wynton Marsalis, Oliver Mtukudzi, Salif Keita and Baaba Maal
- Recorded and collaborated with leading African musicians
- Albums include Just in Newtown, Iba and Village Afrobeat
- Released the EP Ori Mi
- Multi-instrumentalist with experience on saxophone, trumpet, keyboards, trombone and guitar
- Strong Pan-African musical and cultural positioning
- Available for sophisticated corporate, festival and cultural events
