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Akala
Gain a deeper understanding of African history and the contributions of Black people to science with Akala, speaker, historian, and musician.
Akala is a figure in the world of hip-hop. He is an accomplished artist and a writer, poet, historian, and recipient of prestigious awards such as BAFTA and MOBO. His unique blend of rap, rock, and electro-punk, combined with his captivating storytelling, has made him a headliner for multiple UK tours and a sought-after collaborator with legendary artists like Jay-Z, Nas & Damian Marley, and M.I.A. Additionally, Akala has graced various festivals and has been involved in British Council arts/music initiatives on a global scale.
However, Akala's talents extend beyond music. He is regarded for his thought-provoking lectures, journalism, TV presenting, and scriptwriting skills. He has appeared on numerous television programs and given interviews on a wide range of subjects. In 2009, he founded 'The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company', a music theatre production company that has gained significant global media attention. Moreover, Akala has also ventured into the world of literature, with his upcoming book, "The Dark Lady," scheduled for release in 2019.
Akala's speaking engagements cover a wide range of topics, including African history, the Haitian Revolution, the history of Black Britain, the contributions of Black people to science, and the experiences of Black people in the Americas. He also offers insightful talks on the intersection of hip-hop and Shakespeare, the music industry, education, and social issues.
Topics, sessions and talks
Akala, an award-winning hip-hop artist and bestselling author, offers a compelling discussion on race, social justice, and equity. Combining personal insights with scholarly analysis, he explores the roots of racism and the journey towards reeducation and antiracism. As a leading voice in the UK's racial equity movement, Akala's presentations feature engaging visuals and a thought-provoking Q&A. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of these critical issues.
Akala, a multi-disciplinary artist and social entrepreneur, has achieved remarkable success across various fields, prompting business innovators to wonder about his methods. In this talk, he shares his wealth of experience to uncover insights and strategies that inspire ongoing innovation and foster a workplace culture of entrepreneurship. Attendees will learn how to balance the creative process with entrepreneurial pursuits, gaining valuable knowledge to apply in their own professional environments.
In this engaging programme inspired by his viral TEDx Talk, Akala delves into the creation of The Hip Hop Shakespeare Company, which he co-founded. He examines the social and linguistic connections between William Shakespeare's works and contemporary hip hop. Attendees will gain insights into the cultural and artistic parallels that bridge these two seemingly different worlds.
Akala, the award-winning hip-hop artist, discusses his Sunday Times bestselling memoir, "Natives," exploring the social, historical, and political factors shaping today's society. Drawing from his own experiences, he addresses issues of race and class rooted in Britain's racialised empire, covering topics such as the police, education, and identity. Attendees will gain insights into the complex legacy of race and class in British history.
Akala, in his book talk on 'The Dark Lady', highlights the importance of education, drawing from his popular YA novel. Inspired by Shakespeare’s 'Dark Lady' sonnets, the story takes readers to a multicultural 16th century London, emphasising that reading is a true superpower. Akala connects with audiences to reinforce the idea that knowledge is power. Attendees will learn about the transformative power of education and the rich historical context of his narrative.
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frequently asked questions
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Akala structures his sessions around the combination of personal narrative and scholarly analysis, drawing on his background as a historian and artist to contextualise topics such as race, social justice, and the cultural intersections between hip-hop and Shakespeare. Sessions typically incorporate engaging visuals and close with a Q&A segment.
Akala's sessions address race, social justice and antiracism, the balance between creative entrepreneurship and innovation, and the linguistic and cultural connections between hip-hop and Shakespeare. He is a BAFTA and MOBO award-winning artist, author, and founder of The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company, whose TEDx Talk on the subject reached a global audience.
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Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
