Akala

BAFTA Award-Winning Hip-Hop Artist, Co-Founder of the Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company; Author of "Natives" & "Dark Lady"

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London, UK
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Akala Biography

Akala, a multi-faceted personality in the British music scene, has made his mark as a hip-hop artist, author, and activist. His career in music began with a bang as he was voted the Best Hip Hop Act at the MOBO Awards in 2006, the same year his breakthrough album "It's Not a Rumour" was released. He continued to make waves in the music industry with albums like "DoubleThink" and "The Thieves Banquet," and his tracks like "Roll Wid Us" and "The Edge" found their way into popular culture, being featured in the British film "Kidulthood" and the NBA 2K10 video game, respectively. Akala has also been a notable presence in live performances, having performed at major UK festivals and supported renowned artists like Christina Aguilera and MIA on tour.

Alongside his music career, Akala has been a prominent voice in discussions of race and class. His book "Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire" contributed to the discourse on systemic inequality, earning a nomination for the James Tait Black Literary Prize. He has delivered lectures on topics such as institutionalized racism and has been a guest speaker at universities like the University of Essex and Manchester Metropolitan University. His work in education has earned him two honorary degrees, one from Oxford Brookes University and another from Brighton University. He also released "Dark Lady" in 2021 and a children's book titled "Hip and Hop: You Can Do Anything."

With the founding of The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company, Akala has further cemented his commitment to bridging the gap between popular culture and education. This music theatre production company and his independent label, Illa State Records, provide a platform for creative expression and exploring important societal issues. Akala's influence also extends into political discussions, having been actively involved in the UK general elections of 2017 and 2019, as well as discussions about decolonizing the curriculum in educational institutions. His influence and contributions have earned him a spot on the Powerlist of the 100 most influential Black British people in the 2021 edition.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/06/2024.

Akala Videos

  • Akala | Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire | Equity Talks
    Akala (born Kingsley James McLean Daley) is an award-winning hip-hop artist, writer, and poet. He has not only toured with the likes of Jay-Z, Nas,...
  • Hip-Hop & Shakespeare? Akala at TEDxAldeburgh
    Akala demonstrates and explores the connections between Shakespeare and Hip-Hop, and the wider cultural debate around language and it's power.

Akala Books

  • Dark Lady
    Dark Lady
  • Hip and Hop: You Can Do Anything
    Hip and Hop: You Can Do Anything
  • Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire
    Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire

Speaker Lists Featuring Akala

FAQs on booking Akala

  • How do I book Akala to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Akala

    Speaking fees for Akala, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Akala are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Akala, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Akala speak about?

    Akala is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Authors, Civil Rights, Diversity & Inclusion, Entertainers, Entertainment, Literary, Music, Non-Profit, Social Activism, Social Justice.
  • Where does Akala travel from?

    Akala generally travels from London, UK, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Akala is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Akala for your event is available upon request. Akala generally travels from LondonUK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Lizzo, Pharrell Williams, Common, Butterscotch and Vince Staples. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Akala for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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