Akala

Social entrepreneur, author, activist and award-winning hip-hop artist, Akala is revered within his field. With a fierce millennial following, Akala has risen in popularity amongst the youth audience gaining a reputation as one of the greatest dynamic literate talents in the UK. A prominent public speaker, Akala addresses a diverse range of topics including race and class and is highly regarded as a leading activist in the UK Black Lives Matter Movement.

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Diversity & Inclusion

Biography:

Akala began his career in the music industry back in 2003 and has since won both a MOBO award and a BAFTA award. Akala’s music repertoire is both deep and influential, with his albums The Thieves Banquet and Knowledge is Power, Vol 2 delivering an insightful view into several cultural issues. With such a passion for music, Akala founded The Hip Hop Shakespeare Company in 2009, exposing audiences globally to the parallels of Shakespearian work with that of modern-day rappers. The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company (THSC) was greatly received, gaining support from the likes of Sir Ian McKellen. THSC supports young people by showcasing their talents in the arts alongside other distinguished artists. This is done through tailored education programmes, pivotal to creating a different view of the arts and ultimately of young people themselves.

An articulate author, Akala has also written a number of thought-provoking books. In 2017 Akala released his debut children’s book, titled You Can Do Anything: Hip and Hop. A well-received tale, Akala writes to encourage children to grow up socially responsible, emotionally intelligent and most of all happy. Also writing for adults, Akala released NATIVES: Race and Class in the Ruins of the Empire, a biography that explores race and class throughout Akala’s life and Akala’s keen advocacy to rid the world of oppression and exploitation. As a keen historian, Akala has also authored The Dark Lady, a children’s book set in a Shakespearian world bringing light to what the Renaissance time was truly like.

Most recently known for his work in television and public speaking, Akala is no stranger to the camera. In 2018 his best-known TV appearance aired, titled Akala’s Odyessy which documented a journey he took traversing the Mediterranean exploring Homer’s poem The Odyessy. Another notable TV appearance was titled Akala Presents: The Ruins of Empires performing his poem of the same title. BBC’s Question Time was also fortunate to have Akala as one of their guest speakers, with Akala delivering a dynamic appearance on the show discussing racial injustice. Also a prominent feature in podcasts, Akala has worked on The Unfiltered Podcast. Most recently he has been named on the 2021 Powerlist of the Most Influential Black British People.

A keen advocate for helping the youth of today, Akala is frequently called upon to deliver addresses as a public speaker. Having spoken at a range of universities such as the University of Essex, Sydney University and Manchester Metropolitan University it is clear that Akala is a favoured speaker amongst future generations. In 2018 he was awarded honorary degrees, from the University of Brighton and Oxfords Brookes University. He has also delivered several TEDx talks, covering a range of subjects from education and mental health to youth crime, knife crime and rehabilitation, Akala is viewed as a role model bettering the future of the youth. Highly sought-after to deliver a range of talks, seminars and presentations Akala helps to boost confidence, build trust and improve social engagement.

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Videos:

Watch Akala’s TEDx talk, Hip-Hop & Shakespeare?:

Watch Akala’s address and Q&A for the Oxford Union:

Here Akala is speaking in the Equity Talks series for Talks at Google:

Watch Akala’s TEDx talk, The Evolution of Emcee:

Testimonials

"Completely engaging, and the breadth and depth of his knowledge was amazing. He was a resounding hit"- Oxford Brookes University

"He was excellent from the beginning to the end of his talk. He's a very eloquent speaker; presented his material flawlessly."- Kingston University

"As a Citi employee, I’d like to thank Akala for speaking last week. I learned a great deal and am extremely grateful." - James, Citi Bank

Speaking Topics

Diversity & Inclusion- Akala frequently delivers talks on the subject of diversity and inclusion. Growing up experiencing racism himself, Akala is a true advocate of ridding the world of oppression and exploitation covering race, class and imperialism in his keynote speeches.
Africa in History- As a keen historian, Akala is able to discuss various periods of world history in particular African history. He delivers public addresses on pre-colonial African civilisations all the way from 20,000 BC to 1500 AD.
Black People of America- Akala is also passionate about discussing the way that black people have been treated throughout history in America. He focuses on slavery and colonialism that was heavily prevalent throughout America, as well as the current mistreatment of black Americans.
Black People in Science- Akala explores the ways in which black people have made an impact on both science and technology. Discussing the effect both past and present black scientists have had, Akala brings justice to those who did the incredible.
History of Hip-Hop- Another passion of Akala’s, he is able to discuss the history of the music genre in depth. He discusses the evolution of emcee’s and the cultural, musical and political movements that have so far influenced the world of Hip-hop.
The Haitian Revolution- Akala explores the only successful slave revolt in human history. A story filled with tales of victory, Akala describes how enslaved Africans were able to defeat the armies of France, Spain and Britain.
The Power of Education- Akala is a true advocate of the importance of education. He frequently delivers talks at a range of esteemed universities, enriching budding future generations. Through seminars and presentations, Akala discusses everything from social engagement, mental health and rehabilitation to youth crime and the criminal justice system.
The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company- Akala established his company in 2009, and it is something that fuels a number of his speeches. He discusses the similarities between modern-day rap and Shakespeare literary genius. He often reads verses and asks audiences members whether it was a lyric from a rap he just read or a line from a Shakesperian tale.

Achievements

2021 – Named on the Powerlist of the 100 Most Influential Black British People
2018- Published ‘NATIVES’
2017- Published ‘You Can Do Anything: Hip and Hop’
2009 - Founded The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company
2006- Awarded Best Hip Hop Act at the MOBO Awards
Awarded a BAFTA Award

How to Hire Akala

To book Akala as the speaker for your corporate event, function or conference, contact The Motivational Speakers Agency on 0207 0787 876 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively use the enquiry form below and one of our official booking agents will call you back.