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Search forHow Coulsdon man's near-death experience led to musical triumph
07:00 - 24-July-2008
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.”
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