A near-death experience helped transform a Coulsdon man

from a music-hater into a top award-winning artiste.

As a teenager, Toni Kofi hated music, and would have scoffed

at the idea of becoming a professional instrumentalist.

But a vision which came to him as he toppled 60 ft from

scaffolding while working as an apprentice carpenter changed

his life forever.

And almost 20 years later, the 44-year-old has now won a

national award for his jazz stylings.

Mr Kofi, of Gawton Crescent, told the Advertiser: “I fell

from scaffolding on the third floor when I was working in

Nottingham aged 16.

“I thought I was going to die I had this vision that I was a

successful saxophone player and a family man - even though I

hated music at the time and I was single.

“It was strange but in that instant I found myself saying,

'That's what I'll go on to do if I survive this.'”

And despite plunging 60 feet he emerged with only mild

concussion.

True to his word, he became a self-taught saxophonist and

then won a scholarship at the Berklee College of Music in

Massachusetts.

He turned professional when he was 27.

Since then he was toured extensively around the world with

various bands and as a soloist

Notable landmarks include taking part in jazz concerts in

the Royal Albert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, playing with

eminent musicians such as saxophonist Courtney Pine and hip hop

group Salt-N-Pepa, and even winning a best CD award three years

ago from the All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Group.

On Monday, he won best instrumentalist category in the 2008

BBC Jazz Awards at London's Mermaid Theatre which were compered

by DJ Paul Gambaccini .

Mr Kofi has also fulfilled the other side of that vision all

those years ago - and on Monday his wife Helen, 32, and three

children Kimberley, 18, Mingus, 4, and eight-month-old Dante

were among the fans most thrilled at his success.

Describing the accolade as “the highlight of my career”, he

was presented with his award by Jeff Beck, who recorded the

classic single Hi-Ho Silver Lining.

He said on Wednesday: “Winning this week's award is probably

the highlight of my career.

“A few of my neighbours organised a little champagne

celebration for me yesterday which was a lovely surprise.”