As a social entrepreneur and BAFTA and MOBO award-winning hip-hop artist, Akala is a regular media commentator and writer for the broadsheets.

A passionate historian with a fierce millennial following, Akala is credited with exposing global audiences to his Hip-Hop Shakespeare music theatre production company (THSC), aimed at exploring the parallels between the works of Shakespeare and modern-day rappers.

Launched with the support of British actor Sir Ian McKellen, THSC delivers bespoke education programmes, offering young people a different view of the arts and, ultimately, themselves. THSC also produces interactive live music events and theatre productions showcasing the work of up-and-coming young talent, who share the stage with established artists, poets and actors.