For nearly a decade, the community of Broadbeach on the Gold Coast has enjoyed the talents of a remarkable trio of entertainers known for their singing, dancing, and harmonizing. Every Sunday, they take the stage at a local restaurant, performing an eclectic mix of covers that span from classic Motown tracks to contemporary pop hits. This well-kept local secret was unveiled earlier this year when the group, now called The Koi Boys, made a memorable debut on The Voice Australia, much to the delight of audiences in both Australia and New Zealand.
During their audition, the trio performed the doo-wop classic “Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream),” which captivated the judges and prompted an enthusiastic response from the audience. Delta Goodrem remarked, “That was so much fun! Your harmonies were in perfect pitch, you had dance moves… This is super-cool!” Joel Madden added, “You guys melted my face off,” while Jessie J, who later became their mentor, declared, “That was the best vocal audition we’ve had tonight.”
The Koi Boys consist of Danny Faifai, Kevin Keepa, and Ngahere “Nuz” Ngatai, three dedicated and seasoned musicians from New Zealand now based on the Gold Coast. They made history as the first trio to audition on The Voice Australia, quickly gaining a fanbase both in their local area and across the Tasman Sea. Although they were eliminated before the finals, their departure sparked significant social media backlash, with Jessie J facing interviews regarding her decision, ultimately solidifying the trio's status as crowd favorites.
Originally formed as a casual covers gig and jam session, The Koi Boys have been delighting audiences at the same venue for over eight years. Their “Sunday Session” show at Koi Dining and Lounge Bar has become a highlight for visitors to the Gold Coast, often selling out weeks in advance. Danny recounts how the trio came together: he met Kevin while busking in New Zealand over 25 years ago. After relocating to Queensland, they met Nuz during an audition in 2008. “But it wasn’t until we all came together that the magic really worked – you know, when you find that spark? It took off from there,” Danny reflects. They didn’t even have a name until just before their audition for The Voice. Their online presence, including a prohibition-era cover of Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” helped attract the attention of the talent show's producers.
The Koi Boys released their debut album, Meant To Be, which encapsulates the energy, character, enthusiasm, and diverse musical talents that have garnered them a dedicated following and recognition as one of Australia’s most entertaining vocal trios. The album features a variety of genres, including Motown, funk, RnB, and pop, with standout tracks such as a cabaret-style rendition of The Weeknd’s “The Hills” and a smooth, Latin-inspired version of Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” alongside their signature performance of “Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream).”
Meant To Be also marks the trio's initial venture into songwriting, featuring three original tracks. Collaborating with producer Robert Conley, they each contributed an individual song, culminating in collaborative efforts. The album includes “Yes,” a heartfelt love song about marriage by Kevin; “Angels Have to Fly,” a poignant reggae track penned by Nuz in memory of his cousin who passed away from epilepsy; and “Meant To Be (Waiata’s Song),” a touching ballad Danny wrote for his wife. Kevin explains their goal, saying, “We wanted the songs to be relatable, to connect with our audience – because that really is what we’re here to do.”
Overall, Meant To Be is a diverse collection of songs with a singular purpose: to entertain. Danny states, “We perform and have performed just about every genre. The reason we do this is to please, or at least try to please everyone in our audience. The show has been about connection and entertainment. That hasn’t changed. Our album has very much been made with the same idea. We want to please the old people, the young people, the middle-aged people, the depressed people, the happy people, the people in love, the lonely people – everyone. To do this, we’ve gotten very comfortable singing all genres of music.”
