Kocoa Brown
With a voice that commands the room and a presence that lingers long after the last note, Kocoa is a charismatic singer and musician who blurs the lines between soul, funk, blues, and raw emotion. Her energy is infectious, unforgettable voice, and her passion for music undeniable. Get ready to be moved—this is more than a performance, it’s an experience.
A Born Entertainer
Kocoa Brown has a long and deep history with music. Honing her craft over the years, from writing songs at school to working with talented artists across genres and time.
Musical Beginnings
Kocoa Brown grew up surrounded by music; singing and dancing with her cousins and friends at school. Her creative spirit has always been a core feature, in writing stories, and writing her first song by the age of 13 years.
The power of music has always stood out to her, the emotion and connection it can drive between creators, performers, and audiences. Specifically, the healing power it has, not just for oneself but for those who listen and enjoy music as well.
“My first memory of music, is my Uncle dancing the Funky Chicken.”
— Kocoa Brown
Rhythm and Reggae
In her teens, Kocoa Brown was grabbing attention from musicians, eventually joining her first band at 17. Singing original music with Sound System, she began her musical career with the smooth sounds of Reggae.
After a few years, she joined Sheer Gold - another Reggae band. For many years they traveled across the UK in an old, beaten-up van, gigging at pubs and music venues. They recorded the hit “True True Lovers”, a fan favourite whenever they played it at gigs including classic venues; The George Canning (Now Hootananny Brixton).
In 1982, the band split, and Kocoa Brown embarked on a slightly different but equally exciting journey starting her own family.
Jumping Back In!
Following her break from music, Kocoa Brown was pulled back into the game, when she received a call from an old friend about an audition. That same day, Kocoa Brown arrived at the audition, over 100 other women, all auditioning for five spots.
Despite fierce competition, she was selected. “Rhythm Method” was born — the newest Soul Collective in London. However, Kocoa Brown was not so easily kept in one place.
Before her time with Namari, Kocoa met Bej. Bej is the talented sound engineer who you will always spot working with Kocoa on stage, helping to make sure she’s always sounding her best.
When Kocoa returned to education and convinced Bej to study Sound Engineering, Bej was the perfect partner for Kocoa’s musical career. A friendship became a musical partnership, that continues until today.
Namari was born
Eventually, she met a jazz musician, and a vision was born. Namari. Kocoa had elevated her presence in the London music scene. This 5-piece recorded several tracks together, and after some time, the guitarist, Maitreya Jani, joined the band.
Maitreya and Kocoa had a unique connection when performing together, which led to them breaking from Namari to become a Duo. They were an instant hit, with Residencies offered at various venues they performed at. They had a flare for getting the crowd energised and quickly became crowd favourites. This led to more gigs, including weddings and private events.
The KB Fusionaires
Eventually, two became three. Then three became six.
Kocoa Brown on vocals, a guitarist, a drummer, a bass player, and two back-up singers; the KB Fusionaires had grown. Let’s not forget the 7th, Bej.
The KB Fusionaires worked and performed together for many years, playing original Blues, Jazz, and Soul-infused music, at different pubs and festivals. This led to them touring the UK. Eventually, they landed a gig at Smollenskys on The Strand, a renowned Jazz venue, known for its guestlist of whos-who in the Jazz world.
KB Fusionaires were asked to come back, and this became a pattern at venues they performed at. With Residencies and requests to return coming from restaurants, festivals, and musical venues across London and the UK. This includes Smollenskys Metros, The West End Live, The Jazz Cafe, Oliver’s Jazz Bar, and Crystal Palace Beer Festival.
Additionally, KB Fusionaires were involved in the local music scene; organising Open Mic Nights at pubs and venues in London.
“You’ve got the voice of an angel, you have touched me”
“I don’t dance, and you had me moving my arms”
“I consider it my responsibility to go up on stage pure; free from anger, troubles and worries. Otherwise, my energy will translate negatively to the audience. The most amazing feeling is when you can connect and resonate with the audience.”
A little break. And a few years later.
A true musician can never stay out of the game for too long.
Mahogany Soulz was born from a call, from an old friend, dragging her once again back into music, and onto the stage.
Kocoa found herself in a new collective, with some old friends and some new ones. Mahogany Soulz attracts a diverse mix of music enthusiasts from across London to their gigs. Securing residencies at several pubs, they have quickly become fan favourites, with customers requesting Kocoa Brown to return. Her ability to connect and engage audiences, in any setting, drives Mahogany Soulz continued popularity in the London music scene.
Mahogany Soulz is also working with smaller band formats to give smaller and more intimate audiences a different experience of Kocoa Brown and her takes on musical hits across the decades. Soul, Funk, Jazz, and Blues are genres that can connect across communities and generations - playing your favourite hits has never been so fun!
Other than music, Kocoa Brown is busy working with lecturers and academics and has recently started a podcast.
