Akala
Gain a deeper understanding of African history and the contributions of Black people to science with Akala, speaker, historian, and musician.
London,
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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.
Book Akala as a speaker to inspire your team with his unparalleled expertise in music, history, and social issues. His dynamic storytelling and thought-provoking insights will captivate and educate your audience. Elevate your event with a speaker who seamlessly blends artistry and intellect.
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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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
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We work with speakers across a variety of fee ranges, giving you the flexibility to choose someone who fits your event's needs. Virtual keynote fees in the UK and Europe typically start at £2,000, while in-person top-tier speakers can reach £25,000. In the US, virtual in-person fees range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the speaker and format, such as after-dinner talks, conference keynotes, Q&As, or podcasts. Comedians generally start at £1,500 or $2,000 for a 20-minute set.
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