By Antoinette Herrmann-Condobrey
If you've come across Augustine Yao Foli on social media, his signature Lucky Dube-style locks, musical instruments, and energy might have caught your attention. Perhaps you've even danced to his latest release, Afelete. But beyond the music, did you know Foli hails from Hohoe and is a proud alum of St. Francis Demonstration School? Now based in the U.S., he’s making remarkable strides – both in his education and artistic journey.
Foli’s latest track, Afelete, is a soulful expression of gratitude, composed in Ewe. He describes it best:
"Life is what we have. Life is grace, not a rat race. Being grateful for what we have is the beginning of a brighter future."
Produced by Candy in Birmingham, UK, the song resonates deeply—even for those who don’t understand Ewe—thanks to its rich instrumentation and universal message.
Yet, Foli’s passion extends beyond music. His love for nature and sustainability is just as deep. Some even recognize him more for his environmental advocacy than his music. While studying at Cazenovia College, New York, Foli founded Ndor Village, a cross-cultural educational initiative dedicated to promoting rural education and sustainable agriculture.
Foli has returned to his roots many times, giving back to the community that shaped him. Through Ndor Village, he has spearheaded impactful initiatives, including donating essential supplies to schools across the Hohoe municipality and beyond. "It is always such a joy sharing my widow’s mite with the village that brought me up," he shares. Notably, his alma mater, St. Francis Demonstration School, and Kpeme Junior High have been among the beneficiaries of these efforts.
Aside from his love for music and sustainability, Foli is a competitive table tennis and volleyball player. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international development.
Without a doubt, Augustine Yao Foli is a multifaceted force who uses every gift and platform–from music to philanthropy, agriculture to sports–to inspire, uplift, and give back.
Updated: March, 2025.