A Special Musical Signature

Not everyone can pull off wearing a bowtie. but then there is Addofio Addo. Not only can he make a bow tie look fresh and fashionable, but also the plaid shirt, and the "Mr. Roger's neighborhood" sweater too! If you do not know Addofio, well, that is hard to believe! You would be missing out on an intelligent, amiable, and exceptional human being. Addofio, better known as Addo was born in Newark, NJ but his parents, who have been nothing but a positive influence on his life, are from Ghana. Attending Arts High School in Newark has shaped him into the wonderful person he is today. Arts High is the first performing arts high school of its kind in the nation. "I was always around talented people," he says of his fellow schoolmates from Arts High.

Being the humble, open-minded individual that he is, his talent lies in music. Simply put, he says, "Music is my life." With passion in his heart, he has a unique ear for music that will take him far beyond any imaginable success. He enjoys "being in an environment where I could learn a craft, and be exposed to cultures and the arts." Possibly, because of this, he developed his "crazy ear. I hear things that people would not hear. I can tune into different spectrums of music."

"I have so many styles," he says about his range in music. For Addo, "music has a personality. Music transfers personality- tells a story." Specifically, Addo is a drummer, but that does not mean his talents do not extend far past drumming. In high school, he belonged to a group called Fusion. Personally, Addo enjoys r&b and jazz, but Fusion fused all different genres of music including classical, Hispanic, Caribbean, Japanese, etc. Addo insists: "I am very laid back but open to cultures, studying different cultures, and breaking cultural barriers through music."

Aside from being a full-time student majoring in marketing and communications, Addo is also a resident assistant for the office of residence life and the assistant treasurer on the executive board of Student Organization. Addo is an exemplary resident assistant. His relationship with his residents is like that of a true family. "My first year as an RA has been a pretty fun experience. My sixth floor of Burch Hall- we like to have fun. We make living on campus an extraordinary experience."

Addo values the "networking with administrators and meeting new people" which he has experienced here at Kean through being a student and through his on-campus positions. He enjoys being more than just a number. He believes "people at Kean University are go-getters in their own way. People seem to have big dreams. Like in high school, I am surrounded by talent and leaders." Kean University is an inspirational setting that provides an "opportunity to make your statement." However, Addo has a statement of his own, his own quote. Based on music, his quote is "with time, you'll find your signature." He finds it very important to take the time and focus, and learn things. Then, with time, you will find your signature. He offers his advice: "in the meantime, be open-minded to anything, and keep positive."

What is his main goal? Addo wants to open up his own café lounge, which would offer live performances from music all over the world. He wants to create an "arts institution". He understands the importance of music, and its "overall connection. Music tells its own story. His musical interest is "more than just making beats; it is listening for sounds, and personal traits."

Such a special person does not come to be without the influence of hero. "My hero is my dad," he says proudly. Addo explains: "the fact that my dad came from Ghana, got through school by scholarships, and has a master's degree" is very inspiring to him. His dad has come a long way and through all, he stayed a humble, approachable, and friendly person. "His heart is so genuine," he says of his father, who is part of an organization that gives back to Ghana. Addo continues, "He wants to help people- no bragging. That's why I am the way I am." But where does the goofy and loveable Addo come from? That would be his mother and "my three older sisters who I love and adore. My family shaped who I am," he explains.

Addofio Addo is particular and unique, and nothing short of brilliant and outstanding. Even so, he is always thinking "how to change for the better." There is no doubt that Addo can become a one-of-a-kind artist. His passion for helping others and his transcending abilities will take him to pinnacles of success, while remaining true to himself and his upbringing's experiences. He is a sincere gentleman with a prosperous future.