Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Akua Taylor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Akua thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
During the pandemic lockdown, I found comfort in participating in outdoor yoga with friends. My friends suggested I contribute positive music to the yoga experience. Specifically, my friend Vortxmath asked if I would sing affirmations on his music project for the chakras. I immediately agreed because the subject matter and the purpose was in alignment with my artistic mission. We recorded music separately and then had the music mixed together. It was a great exercise of creating music at a distance and it was healing during the pandemic tough times. Vortxmath and I produced four songs in this way, one for each chakra – root, sacral, solar and heart chakras. The songs are mantras set to house music so they make the listener move. Even more special is that the songs are tuned to 432 hertz, which is known as the healing frequency, so we are intentionally putting out healing vibrations through the music.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My mom instilled the arts in my life by taking me to piano lessons and acting classes so I started performing in plays and recitals at age 8. Acceptance to Fisk University in Nashville, TN was hugely formative as I became a proud member of the Jubilee Singers and toured the world performing Negro Spirtuals. Senior year I was crowned Miss Fisk University and wrote my first one woman play about Assata Shakur. After graduating with honors, I moved to New York City and landed roles with the Billie Holiday Theatre in Brooklyn and launched my company Precious Messenger Productions, specializing in motivational musical presentations. I sang to students all around the Elizabeth, New Jersey school district and encouraged them to follow their dreams. Meanwhile, I independently produced positive music, promoting messages of self-love. Marrying and becoming a mom greatly inspired new productions and a move to Atlanta, GA. I became a principal singer with several corporate bands and shot my first music video for my most popular song, “Approve.” The pandemic shifted artists’ ability to perform but I still co-produced a series of chakra songs with VortxMath called “4THIRTY2” https://432.vortxmath.com/ . What sets me apart is that Akua means “precious messenger,” therefore I feel it is my God-given purpose to create positive, inspirational art.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to be a conduit for love and light. My mission is to spread positivity to people who need encouragement. My mission is to create mantra music that can be used as tools for healing. My mission is to make it easy for listeners to connect with their divine selves and be their best selves. I love what I do because when I sing, I’m singing for a greater purpose.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Well established arts organizations can open their doors to creatives or rent their facilities at a community rate to afford creatives opportunities to hold events and earn income. Having community nights or once per month events that feature grassroots artists would support creatives in a larger market. Lowering the barriers of entry for small artist businesses to engage with larger organizations would also forge strong community relations.
Contact Info:
- Website: akuataylor.com
- Instagram: @akuataylorsings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akuataylorsings
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/akuataylorsings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzRnu1lmxN2jrP7kgbjSKVg
Image Credits
Brian Christian Photography