Pop/Rock, R&B Artist | Songwriter | Humanitarian
Akelee means: intelligent in Swahili: born in Cleveland, Ohio, raised in Los Angeles CA, and currently based in Dallas, Texas.
As a little girl, I remember music flowing through our apartment as if it were always a concert being held. My mom and I would sing along to Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Whitney and more. I would record myself on this little black karaoke machine day and night. It was all about the love of singing and I had no knowledge of the music industry. One day my mom came home with an idea to record a demo. A friend of hers had a makeshift studio on a boat. We purchased a few Karaoke instrumentals and history was made! Soon after, we got word that a new show was coming to town. What now would be known as American idol. I made it to the top 45 in the country. However I wasn’t ready! I was so nervous and just a baby. After the show, I joined a couple of girl groups, the last of which, I got the chance to learn the creative process from some of the most prestigious producers and writers in our industry! I learned how to write, record and vocal produce from masterminds. After the last group came to an end, there came a pivotal point in my life where in order to keep going, I would have to go within to find purpose. I asked questions like “what do I truly like?” and what message would I like to carry. Going back to my first love like a child, I purchased a home recording studio and built my own “make shift studio” in the closet of my apartment. It was there that I found myself again and watched as my dreams/visions expanded with more depth. It was also there that I recorded and landed my first featured #1 record. From then I went on to have my work placed in movies, commercials as well as I have had the chance to write for major artists such as Musiq Soulchild, Faith Evans and more. All of the skills that I’ve obtained have brought me to the place where I am now! Being able to pour all of my experience, love and pain into my new album Believe has shown me just how far I’ve come and this journey has only just begun.
What were the biggest initial hurdles and how did you overcome them?
The biggest hurdle I had to overcome was self doubt and feeling like I had to be and have everything perfect before I could be accepted! I was timid and I felt embarrassed or less than when I needed help. I didn’t feel good enough. I now realize through much self reflection, my faith in God as well as through reading a lot, my self doubt was induced by lack of knowledge of myself, purpose and then by looking for validation from people who didn’t understand me or what I was placed on earth for. It wasn’t until I began to shut off the non beneficial, superficial self talk and began to fill myself with mercy, grace and love, that I was able to raise to my highest potential and allow myself to blossom.
Debut single as a solo artist: 'Carry Me" releases July 29th 2022
Any advice to an upcoming youth or talents locally and internationally?
I’d say take a look at your talents and gifts. Chances are, they are not accidental. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Don’t look to the left or the right. You are special! I believe we are all sent to this earth with a purpose, a super power that we are to use and share with the world. We need you! “Believe” Believe in yourself. Find your purpose. You and your gifts are here for a reason.
Social Media Handles: