Jude Kofie, a 12-year-old Ghanaian pianist based in the United States, has been nominated for the inaugural Pianote Awards set to take place on March 14, 2024. His nomination comes in the category of Most Inspiring Pianist of the Year.
Despite his young age, Kofie finds himself among esteemed contenders, such as Lucy, a blind and neurodivergent teen pianist, Miki Sawada recognized for her Alabama tour and documentary premiere at the Independent Film Festival Boston, and Ukrainian sensation Helen Martyniuk, known for her viral hit “Bee Theme” that captured international attention.
Jude Kofie’s journey to prominence started in 2023 when his exceptional talent caught the notice of a piano tuner who, impressed by his self-taught skills, gifted him a piano. His trajectory gained momentum after an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show where he received mentorship from Jason Halbert, music director for Kelly Clarkson and an individual on the autism spectrum himself.
This exposure led to widespread acclaim for Kofie, including the receipt of the Heroes Award at the HollyRod Foundation’s DesignCare Gala.
The Pianote Awards, created to celebrate the accomplishments of pianists globally, will feature ten categories covering various genres and platforms such as Classical, Pop, Jazz, Contemporary, and social media channels like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The event also recognizes original compositions and honors the Most Inspiring Pianist of the Year.
SOURCE: graphic.com.gh