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{{short description|British lovers rock singer}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
|name = Kofi
| name = Kofi
| image = Kofi at a studio session in London, 2011.jpg
<gallery>
⚫
| caption =
File:Microphone_BW_500.jpg
⚫
| birth_name = Carol Simms
</gallery>
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1961}}
|background = solo_singer
⚫
| birth_place = [[Lambeth, London]], England
⚫
|birth_name = Carol Simms
⚫
| genre = [[Lovers rock]], [[reggae]], soul, [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
|origin = London, UK
| occupation = Singer, songwriter, musician
⚫
|genre = [[Lovers Rock]], [[Reggae]], [[Soul]], [[R&B]]
⚫
| years_active = 1976–present
|occupation = [[Singer]], [[Songwriter]], [[Musician]]
⚫
| label = [[Ariwa]], Cousins, Koffe an Kreem
⚫
|years_active = 1976–present
⚫
| associated_acts = [[Brown Sugar (group)|Brown Sugar]]
⚫
|label = [[Ariwa]], Cousins, Koffe an Kreem
| website = {{url|koffeankreem.com/kofi}}
⚫
|associated_acts = [[Brown Sugar (group)|Brown Sugar]]
|website = [http://www.behance.net/kofisinger EPK]
}}
}}
'''Carol Simms''', better known as '''Kofi''', is a [[British people|British]] [[lovers rock]] singer who was a member of the group [[Brown Sugar (group)|Brown Sugar]] prior to embarking on a solo career.
'''Carol Simms''', better known as '''Kofi''', is a British [[lovers rock]] singer who was a member of the group [[Brown Sugar (group)|Brown Sugar]] prior to embarking on a solo career.


==Early Life==
==Early life==
Simms, who’s African name Kofi means ‘Fridays Child’, was born in Lambeth, South London the third youngest of six children. With her church of God upbringing, and with the sound of everything from [[Ska]], [[Reggae]], [[Jazz]] and [[Soul music | Soul]] emanating from the family home, Simms natural love of music was enhanced, and after a brief flirtation with acting during which she attended drama school, her urge to make music began to dominate.
Simms was born in 1961 in [[Lambeth]], South London, the third youngest of six children. With her Church Of God upbringing, and with the sound of everything from [[ska]], [[reggae]], [[jazz]] and soul emanating from the family home, Simms' love of music was enhanced, and after a brief flirtation with acting during which she attended drama school, her urge to make music began to dominate. At fourteen Simms wrote to the local newspaper, the ''[[South London Press]]'', and an article about her wanting to become a singer was featured.


==Musical Career==
==Musical career==
Simms first found success as a member of the lovers rock trio Brown Sugar (which also featured [[Caron Wheeler]] and Pauline Catlin). The trio enjoyed unprecedented success topping the UK reggae charts on three occasions. Brown Sugar's first chart topper in 1977, "I'm In Love With A Dreadlocks", was also the first release on the new 'Lovers Rock' record label formed by Dennis Harris, John Kpiaye and [[Dennis Bovell]]. The record label title became the adopted definition for the genre of music. Simms and Wheeler were re-united briefly in October 2005 at the Metropolitan Black Police Association's annual gala at The Barbican in London.
Simms first found success as a member of the Lovers rock trio Brown Sugar (which also featured [[Caron Wheeler]] and Pauline Catlin). The trio enjoyed unprecedented success, topping the UK reggae charts on three occasions. Brown Sugar's first chart-topper in 1977, "I'm in Love With a Dreadlocks", was also the first release on the new Lover's Rock record label formed by Dennis Harris, [[John Kpiaye]] and [[Dennis Bovell]]. The record label title became the adopted definition for the genre of music. Simms and Wheeler were re-united briefly in October 2005 at the Metropolitan Black Police Association's annual gala at [[Barbican Centre|The Barbican]] in London.


[[File:Studio Work.jpg|thumb|236px|right|Studio recording session]]
[[File:Kofi Live October 2012.jpg|thumb|236px|right|Live at The Giants of Lovers Rock event October 2012]]
Following the demise of Brown Sugar in the mid-1980’s, Simms, under the moniker of Kofi, embarked on a solo career, initially with [[Mad Professor]] and releasing three albums on his [[Ariwa|Ariwa Sound]] label.<ref name="Larkin">Larkin, Colin (1998) ''The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae'', Virgin Books, ISBN 0-7535-0242-9, p. 158-9</ref> She had hits on the British reggae charts with the reworking of Brown Sugar songs "I Am So Proud", "I'm In Love With a Dreadlocks" and "Black Pride", with new songs such as "Didn't I" (on which Kofi also played bass guitar), "Looking Over Love", and with a version of [[Alton Ellis]]' "I'm Still in Love with You", a duet with John McLean.<ref name="Larkin" /><ref name="Barrow">Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter (2004) ''The Rough Guide to Reggae, 3rd edn.'', Rough Guides, ISBN 1-84353-329-4, p. 398</ref> "Proud of Mandela", a version of [[The Impressions]]' "I'm So Proud", a collaboration with [[Macka B]], topped the British reggae charts in 1990.<ref name="Bush">Bush, John "[http://www.allmusic.com/artist/kofi-p94773/biography Kofi Biography]", [[Allmusic]], retrieved 2011-04-22</ref><ref name="Gilroy">Gilroy, Paul "Jewels Brought From Bondage: Black Music and the Politics of Authenticity" in Bennett, Andy; Shank, Barry; & Toynbee, Jason (2005) ''The Popular Music Studies Reader'', 3rd edition, Routledge, ISBN 978-0-415-30710-9, p. 183</ref>
Following the demise of Brown Sugar in the mid-1980s, Simms, under the moniker of Kofi, embarked on a solo career, initially with [[Mad Professor]] and releasing three albums on his [[Ariwa|Ariwa Sound]] label.<ref name="Larkin">Larkin, Colin (1998), ''The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae'', Virgin Books, {{ISBN|0-7535-0242-9}}, pp. 158–59.</ref> She had hits on the British reggae charts with the reworking of Brown Sugar songs "[[I'm So Proud (song)|I Am So Proud]]", "I'm in Love With a Dreadlocks" and "Black Pride", with new songs such as "Didn't I" (on which Kofi also played bass guitar), "Looking Over Love", and with a version of [[Alton Ellis]]' "I'm Still in Love with You", a duet with John McLean.<ref name="Larkin" /><ref name="Barrow">Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter (2004), ''The Rough Guide to Reggae, 3rd edn.'', Rough Guides, {{ISBN|1-84353-329-4}}, p. 398.</ref> "Proud of Mandela", a version of [[The Impressions]]' "I'm So Proud", a collaboration with [[Macka B]], topped the British reggae charts in 1990.<ref name="Bush">Bush, John "[http://www.allmusic.com/artist/kofi-p94773/biography Kofi Biography]", [[Allmusic]], retrieved 22 April 2011.</ref><ref name="Gilroy">[[Paul Gilroy|Gilroy, Paul]], "Jewels Brought From Bondage: Black Music and the Politics of Authenticity" in Bennett, Andy; Shank, Barry; & Toynbee, Jason (2005), ''The Popular Music Studies Reader'', 3rd edition, Routledge, {{ISBN|978-0-415-30710-9}}, p. 183.</ref> The 1988 British Reggae Industry Awards ceremony saw Kofi winning the awards for "Best Female Vocalist" and reaching number one with the songs "Didn't I" and "Black Pride". Kofi went on to achieve further awards in 1989, establishing her status as one of the queens of Lovers rock.


Kofi had been asked on many occasions to crossover into the Soul/RnB market and she began to pen some of her own work directly aimed at that genre of music. The opportunity arose through association with [[Jazzie B]] of the [[Soul II Soul]] phenomena. [[Motown Records]] had engaged Jazzie B to establish a subsidiary label ‘Funki Dred’ to which he was to find and sign artistes of the highest calibre in the UK - Kofi was signed to the new ‘Funki Dred’ label and featured on the 1992 “Soul II Soul Volume 3 – Just Right” album with the tracks “Move Me No Mountain” and “Future”. The only single release by Kofi during this period was in 1992 with the song "Step By Step".
Kofi had been asked{{by whom|date=March 2022}} crossover into the soul/R&B market and she began to write some of her own work directly aimed at that genre of music. The opportunity arose through association with [[Jazzie B]] of [[Soul II Soul]]. [[Motown Records]] had engaged Jazzie B to establish a subsidiary label, Funki Dreds to which he was to find and sign artists in the UK; Kofi was signed to the new label and featured on the 1992 ''Soul II Soul Volume III – Just Right'' album with the tracks "[[Move Me No Mountain]]" and "Future".<ref>[http://www.discogs.com/Soul-II-Soul-Volume-III-Just-Right/master/79469 Discogs: Soul II Soul – Volume III Just Right], retrieved 28 August 2012.</ref> The only single release by Kofi during this period was in 1992 with the song "Step By Step".<ref>[http://www.discogs.com/Kofi-Step-By-Step/release/976706 Discogs: Kofi – Step By Step], retrieved 28 August 2012.</ref>


During her time with ‘Motown’ Kofi was commissioned to work for a mammoth musical project put together by Disney/Buena Vista. The '[[Simply Mad About the Mouse: A Musical Celebration of Imagination]]' project was a musical tribute to the company’s many successful movies over the years and as such they marked the occasion by featuring many top rated artistes to each take a very famous song from one of their beloved movies and perform it in their own unique style. This included [[LL Cool J]], [[Gypsy Kings]], [[Michael Bolton]] and [[Billy Joel]], but to name a few. Kofi’s contribution to the project was her rendition of “[[Kiss The Girl]]” from the film ‘[[The Little Mermaid]]'.
During her time with Motown, Kofi was commissioned to work for a musical project put together by Disney/Buena Vista. The ''[[Simply Mad About the Mouse: A Musical Celebration of Imagination]]'' project was a musical tribute to some of the company's films, and as such they marked the occasion by featuring various artists to each take a famous song from one of their films and perform it in their own style. This included [[LL Cool J]], [[Gipsy Kings]], [[Michael Bolton]] and [[Billy Joel]]. Kofi's contribution to the project was her rendition of "[[Kiss The Girl]]" from the film ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]]''.<ref name="Cerone">Cerone, Daniel (1991), "[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-10-09-ca-230-story.html Disney Hopes 'Mouse' Will Roar"], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', retrieved 28 August 2012.</ref>


In 2008 Kofi began working with producers [[Mafia & Fluxy]], and this saw the release of the album ‘Rocking Eternally’ as well as inclusion of songs on a number of compilation albums. The 2011 album ‘Kofi & Friends’ showcased Kofi in a more roots reggae mood and sharing the album with established reggae artistes: [[Freddie McGregor]], [[Luciano (singer)|Luciano]], [[Michael Rose (singer)|Michael Rose]], [[George Nooks]], [[Morgan Heritage]] and [[Earl Sixteen]]. During 2011 the film 'The Story of Lovers Rock', directed by Menelik Shabazz, was publicly released and the film featured Kofi in conversation and music from Brown Sugar.
Kofi went on to work more closely with producers [[Mafia & Fluxy]]. As well as the inclusion of songs on a number of compilation albums, in 2008 the album ''Rocking Eternally'' was released. The 2011 album ''Kofi & Friends'' showcased Kofi in a more [[roots reggae]] mood and sharing the album with established reggae artists: [[Freddie McGregor]], [[Luciano (singer)|Luciano]], [[Michael Rose (singer)|Michael Rose]], [[George Nooks]], [[Morgan Heritage]] and [[Earl Sixteen]]. During 2011, the film ''The Story of Lovers Rock'', directed by [[Menelik Shabazz]], was publicly released and featured Kofi in conversation and music from Brown Sugar.<ref name="Abbott">Abbott, Dianne (2011), "[http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/And-now----The-Story-Of-Lovers--Rock_9786410 And now... The Story Of Lovers' Rock]", ''[[Jamaica Observer]]'', retrieved 27 August 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.loversrockthefilm.com ''The Story of Lovers Rock''] film, 2011, 27 August 2012.</ref>


Kofi’s work has continued, and 2012 saw her not only working with new producers, but also the release of a new EP 'Sweetness & Thanks' and a number of singles in various genres. Midway through the year Kofi became joint owner/partner in her management and record label company, and the first release under the partnership will be the 6-track EP ‘The G Mixes’ which features tracks from both Kofi and label artiste IJ Chris. This EP introduces Kofi to the UK Garage genre through two remixes and a completely new rhythm track.
In 2010 Kofi took up residency in Barbados performing various music styles to meet audience expectations at many hotels and locations around the island. 2012 saw her not only working with new producers, but also the release of a new EP, ''Sweetness & Thanks'', and a number of singles in various genres. The album ''Rocking Eternally'' was also re-released.


Kofi performed as the closing act at The Giants of Lovers Rock event in 2012 alongside solo shows. The following year, appeared alongside [[Sanchez (singer)|Sanchez]], [[John Holt (singer)|John Holt]] and [[Frankie Paul]] at the Barbados Reggae Festival and also appeared at the St Lucia Jazz Festival in the same year.
With renewed energy and drive Kofi is preparing a new album for release in 2013, which will reflect her various musical styles.


During 2016 Kofi returned to the UK for an indefinite period to complete work on a new album and a number of singles which will reflect her various musical styles with songs in the Soul/R&B, Reggae and Jazz genres.
==Album Discography==
⚫
*''Black...With Sugar'' (1989), Ariwa
⚫
*''Wishing Well'' (1992), Ariwa
⚫
*''Friday's Child'' (1994), Ariwa
⚫
*''Rocking Eternally'' (2008), Cousins
⚫
*''Kofi and Friends'' (2011), Cousins


==Achievements==
==Discography==
===Albums===
⚫
* ''Black...With Sugar'' (1989, Ariwa)
⚫
* ''Wishing Well'' (1992, Ariwa)
⚫
* ''Friday's Child'' (1994, Ariwa)
⚫
* ''Rocking Eternally'' (2008, Cousins; 2012, Mafia & Fluxy)
⚫
* ''Kofi and Friends'' (2011, Cousins)


==Awards==
⚫
*1988 BRIA award for reaching number 1 with “Didn’t I” and “Black Pride”
*1988 BRIA award ‘Best Female Vocalist’
* 1988 BRIA award for reaching number 1 with "Didn't I" and "Black Pride"
* 1988 BRIA award "Best Female Vocalist"
*1989 BRIA award for reaching number 1 with “Dread A Who She Love” and “Proud Of Mandela”
⚫
* 1989 BRIA award for reaching number 1 with "Dread A Who She Love" and "Proud of Mandela"
*1989 Jamaica Gleaner Awards ‘Best British Female Singer’
* 1989 Jamaica Gleaner Awards "Best British Female Singer"
*1990 Entertainments Enterprise Annual Celebrity Awards ‘Best Female Singer’ – for outstanding contribution to the entertainments industry
* 1990 Entertainments Enterprise Annual Celebrity Awards "Best Female Singer" – for outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry
*2009 BRIA ‘Reggae Achievement Award’
* 2009 BRIA "Reggae Achievement Award"
*2011 HiCrEc Award ‘Best Female Vocalist’
* 2011 HiCrEc Award "Best Female Vocalist"


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External Links==
==External links==
* {{facebook|kofisinger|Kofi}}


{{Authority control}}
*[http://www.loversrockthefilm.com The Story of Lovers Rock film]
*[http://http://www.koffeankreem.com/24943/441055/koffe-an-kreem/artiste-kofi Website Link]
*[http://www.Facebook.com/kofisinger Facebook]
*[http://twitter.com/kofireggae Twitter]


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
⚫
| NAME = Kofi
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Carol Vieira
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Singer, Songwriter
| DATE OF BIRTH =
⚫
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Lambeth, London, UK
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kofi}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kofi}}
[[Category:British reggae musicians]]
[[Category:British reggae musicians]]
[[Category:Lovers rock musicians]]
[[Category:Lovers rock musicians]]
[[Category:English female singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Black British women singers]]
[[Category:Black British musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century British women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Black British women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century British women singers]]
[[Category:English reggae musicians]]
[[Category:English reggae musicians]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Brown Sugar (group) members]]

[[Category:Musicians from the London Borough of Lambeth]]
{{Caron Wheeler}}
[[Category:People from Lambeth]]
[[Category:1961 births]]
[[Category:Singers from the London Borough of Lambeth]]
[[Category:British reggae singers]]

Latest revision as of 16:56, 31 December 2024

Kofi
Background information
Birth nameCarol Simms
Born1961 (age 63–64)
Lambeth, London, England
GenresLovers rock, reggae, soul, R&B
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, musician
Years active1976–present
LabelsAriwa, Cousins, Koffe an Kreem
Websitekoffeankreem.com/kofi

Carol Simms, better known as Kofi, is a British lovers rock singer who was a member of the group Brown Sugar prior to embarking on a solo career.

Early life

[edit]

Simms was born in 1961 in Lambeth, South London, the third youngest of six children. With her Church Of God upbringing, and with the sound of everything from ska, reggae, jazz and soul emanating from the family home, Simms' love of music was enhanced, and after a brief flirtation with acting during which she attended drama school, her urge to make music began to dominate. At fourteen Simms wrote to the local newspaper, the South London Press, and an article about her wanting to become a singer was featured.

Musical career

[edit]

Simms first found success as a member of the Lovers rock trio Brown Sugar (which also featured Caron Wheeler and Pauline Catlin). The trio enjoyed unprecedented success, topping the UK reggae charts on three occasions. Brown Sugar's first chart-topper in 1977, "I'm in Love With a Dreadlocks", was also the first release on the new Lover's Rock record label formed by Dennis Harris, John Kpiaye and Dennis Bovell. The record label title became the adopted definition for the genre of music. Simms and Wheeler were re-united briefly in October 2005 at the Metropolitan Black Police Association's annual gala at The Barbican in London.

Live at The Giants of Lovers Rock event October 2012

Following the demise of Brown Sugar in the mid-1980s, Simms, under the moniker of Kofi, embarked on a solo career, initially with Mad Professor and releasing three albums on his Ariwa Sound label.[1] She had hits on the British reggae charts with the reworking of Brown Sugar songs "I Am So Proud", "I'm in Love With a Dreadlocks" and "Black Pride", with new songs such as "Didn't I" (on which Kofi also played bass guitar), "Looking Over Love", and with a version of Alton Ellis' "I'm Still in Love with You", a duet with John McLean.[1][2] "Proud of Mandela", a version of The Impressions' "I'm So Proud", a collaboration with Macka B, topped the British reggae charts in 1990.[3][4] The 1988 British Reggae Industry Awards ceremony saw Kofi winning the awards for "Best Female Vocalist" and reaching number one with the songs "Didn't I" and "Black Pride". Kofi went on to achieve further awards in 1989, establishing her status as one of the queens of Lovers rock.

Kofi had been asked[by whom?] crossover into the soul/R&B market and she began to write some of her own work directly aimed at that genre of music. The opportunity arose through association with Jazzie B of Soul II Soul. Motown Records had engaged Jazzie B to establish a subsidiary label, Funki Dreds to which he was to find and sign artists in the UK; Kofi was signed to the new label and featured on the 1992 Soul II Soul Volume III – Just Right album with the tracks "Move Me No Mountain" and "Future".[5] The only single release by Kofi during this period was in 1992 with the song "Step By Step".[6]

During her time with Motown, Kofi was commissioned to work for a musical project put together by Disney/Buena Vista. The Simply Mad About the Mouse: A Musical Celebration of Imagination project was a musical tribute to some of the company's films, and as such they marked the occasion by featuring various artists to each take a famous song from one of their films and perform it in their own style. This included LL Cool J, Gipsy Kings, Michael Bolton and Billy Joel. Kofi's contribution to the project was her rendition of "Kiss The Girl" from the film The Little Mermaid.[7]

Kofi went on to work more closely with producers Mafia & Fluxy. As well as the inclusion of songs on a number of compilation albums, in 2008 the album Rocking Eternally was released. The 2011 album Kofi & Friends showcased Kofi in a more roots reggae mood and sharing the album with established reggae artists: Freddie McGregor, Luciano, Michael Rose, George Nooks, Morgan Heritage and Earl Sixteen. During 2011, the film The Story of Lovers Rock, directed by Menelik Shabazz, was publicly released and featured Kofi in conversation and music from Brown Sugar.[8][9]

In 2010 Kofi took up residency in Barbados performing various music styles to meet audience expectations at many hotels and locations around the island. 2012 saw her not only working with new producers, but also the release of a new EP, Sweetness & Thanks, and a number of singles in various genres. The album Rocking Eternally was also re-released.

Kofi performed as the closing act at The Giants of Lovers Rock event in 2012 alongside solo shows. The following year, appeared alongside Sanchez, John Holt and Frankie Paul at the Barbados Reggae Festival and also appeared at the St Lucia Jazz Festival in the same year.

During 2016 Kofi returned to the UK for an indefinite period to complete work on a new album and a number of singles which will reflect her various musical styles with songs in the Soul/R&B, Reggae and Jazz genres.

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • Black...With Sugar (1989, Ariwa)
  • Wishing Well (1992, Ariwa)
  • Friday's Child (1994, Ariwa)
  • Rocking Eternally (2008, Cousins; 2012, Mafia & Fluxy)
  • Kofi and Friends (2011, Cousins)

Awards

[edit]
  • 1988 BRIA award for reaching number 1 with "Didn't I" and "Black Pride"
  • 1988 BRIA award "Best Female Vocalist"
  • 1989 BRIA award for reaching number 1 with "Dread A Who She Love" and "Proud of Mandela"
  • 1989 Jamaica Gleaner Awards "Best British Female Singer"
  • 1990 Entertainments Enterprise Annual Celebrity Awards "Best Female Singer" – for outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry
  • 2009 BRIA "Reggae Achievement Award"
  • 2011 HiCrEc Award "Best Female Vocalist"

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Larkin, Colin (1998), The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae, Virgin Books, ISBN 0-7535-0242-9, pp. 158–59.
  2. ^ Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter (2004), The Rough Guide to Reggae, 3rd edn., Rough Guides, ISBN 1-84353-329-4, p. 398.
  3. ^ Bush, John "Kofi Biography", Allmusic, retrieved 22 April 2011.
  4. ^ Gilroy, Paul, "Jewels Brought From Bondage: Black Music and the Politics of Authenticity" in Bennett, Andy; Shank, Barry; & Toynbee, Jason (2005), The Popular Music Studies Reader, 3rd edition, Routledge, ISBN 978-0-415-30710-9, p. 183.
  5. ^ Discogs: Soul II Soul – Volume III Just Right, retrieved 28 August 2012.
  6. ^ Discogs: Kofi – Step By Step, retrieved 28 August 2012.
  7. ^ Cerone, Daniel (1991), "Disney Hopes 'Mouse' Will Roar", Los Angeles Times, retrieved 28 August 2012.
  8. ^ Abbott, Dianne (2011), "And now... The Story Of Lovers' Rock", Jamaica Observer, retrieved 27 August 2012.
  9. ^ The Story of Lovers Rock film, 2011, 27 August 2012.
[edit]
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