Safarini contains two of Kofi Anang's songs - Hail, which uses the Ghanian kalimba to represent the sound of hail or raindrops on an iron roof, and Ko. "Ko" means "forest", Kofi uses nature sounds and careful arrangements to create a traditional sound environment in this piece, based on traditional arrangements and using modern instrumentation. Born in Pakro, in the eastern region of Ghana, Kofi Anang exhibited talent as both a dancer and musician from his youth. After graduating from the University of Ghana's Institute of African Studies with honors, Kofi spent seven years with the Ghana National Dance Ensemble and performed throughout Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Having traveled for five years with the internationally acclaimed group, Oboade, in 1978 Kofi chose to settle in Seattle and pursue his individual musical vision. In Seattle, Kofi formed the group Ocheami to teach and perform African music and dance. Over the past twenty years, Ocheami has established a vast network of students and fans. Kofi Anang says that his traditional side continues, while at the same time he creates new music and dance. One of the ways he preserves music is through performing it, although h has als done research and documentation on audio and videotape. He sees no real separation between music and movement, and thinks Americans would learn African music more easily if they danced more at home. He is delighted at the change in perceptions of African music he has witnessed over the years and syas Seattle has become a unique city with a lively and diverse culture. Reaching out from his traditional roots to the many influences he has absorbed in his travels, Kofi now explores ways of blending the traditional arts of Ghana with contemporary international forms of expression. The music on Safarini represents a foray into a new musical territory for Kofi and his audience. Kofi created these songs while he was a featured artist in Jack Straw Productions' 1995 Artist Support Program. As part of this program, Kofi experimented with adding Australian didjeridu, flute, and electronic percussion to traditional African instruments.