We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Akili Ni Mali a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Akili Ni Mali , thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I first realized I wanted to pursue a full-time career as a recording artist through my passion for acting. I began acting at around 8 or 9 years old and discovered how much I loved evoking emotions in others through art. Theater and storytelling allowed me to educate and move audiences, and some of my most profound life lessons and healing moments came from specific songs or scenes in movies and plays. My love for music was influenced by my parents, who played a variety of genres at home—everything from jazz and R&B to funk and rock. It wasn’t until I received my first guitar at 12 that I developed a passion for songwriting and recording. This desire to create my own music led me to analyze the musical elements of my favorite tracks. I began to appreciate musicians in a new way, admiring how they could transform studio recordings into something even more magical in live performances. At one point, I considered pursuing musical theater, but I realized I thrive artistically when I’m writing my own music.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a singer-songwriter from Indianapolis, IN, and my journey in the music industry began with performing professionally as a singer at Kings Island. That experience taught me valuable lessons in stage presence and collaboration with other artists, almost like a paid conservatory. I’ve also performed as a singer/dancer at Kings Dominion, on a cruise ship, and in various regional theaters.

Currently, I focus primarily on television and film acting, straight plays, and recording my original music. What sets me apart as an artist is my ability to craft songs that tell authentic stories. As a Black woman and a mother in an interracial marriage, I draw from my lived experiences to provide a unique perspective on the Black experience through my music and the emotional depth I bring to my roles.

I’m most proud of how I’ve navigated the industry with limited resources, driven by my passion for music and storytelling. My brand emphasizes authenticity, individuality, self-love, and creative expression, which I strive to uplift in all my work

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is knowing that I’ve put my art out into the world. Creating something that resonates can elicit a range of responses—some might say, “It’s okay”, while others might feel, “This changed my life.” To me, the true reward lies in the ability to inspire and heal through music and art. I believe we’re here to uplift and connect with one another, and I feel incredibly blessed to do that through my craft of music and storytelling.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Don’t limit your minds and hearts to what’s considered ‘legitimate’ or worthy of support among local artists. Embrace the opportunity to discover rare gems in your community. Treat local artists as the treasures they are. Pay for the ticket, stream their songs, share their posts, and show up with positive vibes to the spaces these artists are putting themselves out in. I believe what has kept me motivated at times when not feeling seen as an artist has been the amount of community support.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @akili.nm
• Youtube: Akili Ni Mali Official

Image Credits

Images by Akili Ni Mali and Phoenix Ouellette.