Australia
Koffi arrived in Australia in August 1998 to spread his infectious music and philosophies to the people of Australia. This time he decided to promote the rhythms of the African Diaspora. His ambition is to build a bridge between the black Diaspora, the descendents of African cultures scattered across the world as a result of slavery, and artists arriving in the "New World" today.
Since March 1999, the band has been performing at a range of notable Sydney venues including the Harbourside Brasserie and more recently, the Basement where they've played to full houses. According to the Basement, they are "easily the best Afro-roots show in town and they play a pretty awesome Latin set too". They packed in the crowds over three days at the Global Carnival in Belligen in October 1999 and at the Australia Day celebrations at Darling Harbour in January 2000.
The African Diaspora of the band's title refers to the range of music performed rather than the members of the band. Koffi lays on a unique and meticulously arranged musical journey through the musical styles of West Africa and parts of the Caribbean. Koffi is an ideal person to introduce the music of West African and the French Caribbean to Australian and other audiences.
Koffi has gathered together a young, diverse and very talented group of musicians to form the African Diaspora. The brilliant kit drummer is Indonesian-born Deva Permana, the keyboard player is Japanese born Huckuei Kim. Koffi's backing vocalists, Aniel and Genevieve Davis are from Mauritius and South Africa. The very gifted guitarist Aron Flower and the horn section are Australian. On percussion is Pape baye from Senegal. He is a superb percussionist, a great performer and a magnificient dancer who breathes life onto the show.