Koyejo Adeniyi, known as Koye Sax, breaks conventional barriers by seamlessly blending the precision of an electrical engineer with the soul-stirring fire of a multi-genre musical maestro. As the unrivaled champion of genre-bending saxophone artistry in the UK and the visionary behind the groundbreaking Afro Jazz Fest, his journey is a symphony of innovation and inspiration in each musical note.
When asked about fusing Afrobeat with diverse styles, the talented saxophonist, whose repertoire spans Gospel, RnB, and Jazz, explained: “My musical journey, rooted in classical training for over a decade, began in the structured realm of classical music. Through performances in various settings globally, I realized that confining my sound to a single genre would limit the richness of my experiences. Traveling exposed me to diverse cultures, sounds, and unconventional instruments, influencing my music to transcend traditional boundaries. My music tells a story of a boundless world, free from restrictions to any specific genre. Despite exploring various musical landscapes, my roots, message, and aspirations remain deeply rooted in Africa, a narrative I convey in every piece I create.”
Reflecting on his inspirations, Koye said: “The foundation of my musical identity draws inspiration from jazz legends like Lagbaja, Fela, Dave Koz, Yolanda Brown, Kirk Whalum, Mike Aremu, and others. Yolanda Brown’s influence, especially, has significantly shaped my journey. Witnessing her performance during the Sax Appeal concert in Nigeria marked a pivotal moment, fueling my passion for the saxophone. Her ability to seamlessly fuse diverse genres and unite people serves as an ongoing source of inspiration and mentorship for me.”
Asked about his cherished experiences as a saxophonist, he shared: “In 2015, I hosted my inaugural headline concert, ‘My Sax His Praise,’ at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria. This sold-out event garnered favorable reviews and featured legendary guests like Lagbaja, Tim Godfrey, Beejay Sax, Midnight Crew, among others. Since then, I’ve completed over 300 bookings, collaborated with artists like Beejay Sax, 121 Selah, Sinmidele, Remii, and more.”
Despite facing numerous rejections, Koye sees these challenges as motivation for continuous improvement. This mindset has led to significant milestones, including a Koyesax UK tour in 2018, a sold-out Koyesax Experience concert in London in 2023, and the groundbreaking Afrojazz festival in 2023, which also sold out. He has had the privilege of meeting influential world leaders and performing at their events.
Looking forward to 2024, Koye is eager to make a global impact through his music.
Hear him: “Looking ahead to 2024, I am eager to make a global impact through my music. I am open to more collaborations and bookings, with plans for additional editions of the Koyesax Experience and AfroJazz Festival globally. Expect more music features, tours, and endorsements. The future is indeed bright, and I can’t wait to take everyone on this new journey”.