Artist Name: Koen Duncan
Birth Name: Koen Dwayne Duncan
Birth Place and Date: San Fernando, Trinidad, June 15th, 1983
Official Bio
Koen Duncan's musical journey began at the age of twelve (just 1 year after he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior) when his father introduced him to the saxophone. He then started playing in his church's band that gave him the necessary experience to represent his school (Pleasantville Senior Comprehensive) in San Fest, where he received the Best Performer Award.
As Koen continued to develop his God given talents, he became the youngest member of Broadway Boys International (B. B. I. ). Not only did he play the saxophone but he also became one of the group's lead vocalists and voiced the popular tune, 'Whole Armour'. Being a part of B. B. I. was where Koen gained most of his experience and exposure and was given the opportunity to put two of his original compositions on the group's debut album. This recording gave him the privilege to minister (playing both saxophone and singing) in Grenada, Barbados and Tobago.
As Koen's musical journey continued with B. B. I., he was blessed with other opportunities to minister at the Trinidad vs. Mexico football match, Pilgrimage (one of the biggest gospel concerts in Trinidad), and share the stage with the likes of Fred Hammond, Stitchie and Chevelle Franklin. Coming to the end of this journey with B. B. I., Koen was given yet another chance to minister in song at the massive T. D Jakes youth rally.
After being with B. B. I. for five years, Koen launched out on his own to further grasp the call of God upon his life. Koen was told if he wanted to improve his song writing, he should learn a string instrument so he learned to play the guitar. This move inspired songs like 'Bring Down', 'Count it all Joy' and 'Sin No More'. It has definitely played an important role in his song writing today. Approximately ten months after leaving B. B. I., Koen joined Flow Masters Records and began working on his first solo project.
With God's guidance, Koen started his own band by the name of Birth Right. In 2005, Koen's first album was complete and in stores. Since he has stepped out as a solo artist, Koen has ministered in Jamaica and all over Trinidad & Tobago and is now venturing into building his own studio and becoming a producer. Exclusive Interview with GospelReggae.com
GR: How did you begin doing music?
Koen: I started music through my dad who is also a musician.
GR: What is the most valuable lesson that you learned from your Mom or Dad growing up that you still apply today?
Koen: Humility is needed for prosperity
GR: If you could share the stage with any Christian or secular artist in the world (living or dead) who would it be?
Koen: Stitchie
GR: I know that you have written a whole heap of songs in the past, but what's your favorite one? Now, if that is too hard for you to answer, then tell me this; if you spent 5 minutes with an avid reggae fan and only had enough time to play them one of your songs, which one would you play them?
Koen: 'Keep Me Strong'.
GR: What were the last 5 CDs that you put in your disc changer?
Koen: Mr. Lynx, DJ. Nicholas, Isaac Blackman, Kevon Thomas and Koen Duncan.
GR: What Bible character do you most identify yourself with?
Koen: Paul.
GR: What do you have to say about (or to) artists that started off in the Christian industry (CBA) doing gospel music and now sing secular (mainstream) with a watered down, or ambiguous message?
Koen: God is waiting with open arms and there's nothing in the world greater than that which God offers.
GR: Name one thing that fans do not know about you.
Koen: I play the sax, guitar and now I am venturing into playing drums.
GR: Name something personal that gives you great satisfaction.
Koen: Cycling
GR: What are the three things you enjoy most about touring? And least?
Koen: Three things I like most about touring are: Meeting new people, eating new kinds of food and sharing the gospel. Three things I like least about touring are: Being away from family, my home church and airplanes.
GR: What goes through your mind before you go onstage at the average show?
Koen: Its all about Christ.
GR: If you could whisper in the ears of youths aspiring to start a music ministry like yours, what would you say?
Koen: Be careful whom you tell your dreams to.
GR: Why do you do music? What is your primary goal?
Koen: I do music because: 1) I love it and 2) it is what was given to me by God to reach people for him. My primary goal is to have my album on shelves worldwide. Ministry
To encourage and bring youths to Christ through song and Word and to be a witness and an example of a righteous youth. Discography
Bring Down Album - Koen Duncan (Flow Masters) Turn It Up - Sherwin Gardner (Flow Masters)
Source: http://www.gospelreggae.com/browse/artists/koen+duncan/detail.html
