Today we’d like to introduce you to Akuya.
Hi Akuya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Man, what a loaded question. To be frank, I feel like I started in church. In school. In the dance studio. In my room writing poems and songs for school projects. I truly got here by God’s grace, the path has been one of the trials, testing, and faith but the love of the craft fueled me all those years in my youth. Now, when times gets hard, it’s God and muscle memory keeping me going- especially God when my body decides to go on strike-haha.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel like I was blessed with blissful ignorance. I simply truly didn’t know nor see hardship along the way until I started to have bills-lol. Being in the dance studio, writing my own music, preparing for shows, and surrounding myself with art truly filled my heart so when things got tuff, I was living out of the overflow of that love. And THAT carried me. It got difficult when the love ran out-oh for sure it did. But it’s just a reminder that I don’t have to live in struggle if I am fueling myself in the right ways and in the right seasons. So it is short, no, it hasn’t all been smooth: being an independent business/artist, learning financial literacy, and honestly just staying sane during slow seasons really do test you, but the love will keep you.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist. I am a singer, storyteller, lover of art and people. I’m known for being raw, transparent, and unique without really knowing or trying. I just live my life the only way I know how: with integrity and honesty. I’m proud to heal, to grow, to see an old version of myself who was afraid and now to step into my artistry boldly as AKUYA- that is always a tear-jerker for me. Want to know the secret to being set apart? Jesus Christ. Thank me later.
What are your plans for the future?
Man – CREATE, CREATE, CREATE. I plan to live free, to have the best quality of life that is humanly possible. I plan to release more music, personal projects, and collaborations as well but I am most excited to build community, friendship, and relationships along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsolasystem/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1sCdSTDhQr5g2Wr1mXUH0g
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/tsolasystem
Image Credits
Jakerris Williams Lee Gumbs Brandon Mathis
