The British rapper and poet Akala is bringing his rhymes to Australia for the first time next month.
The last ten years has seen the grime and hip hop artist play festivals around the world, start his own record label and theatre company and appear on numerous television programmes to speak about social issues.
Your music examines many cultural issues, why use music as a platform for social change?
I grew up in a very musical family, particularly focused around 1970s reggae, blues, soul and early hip hop (particularly Public Enemy). From these musical influences it seemed normal to me that artists should have a social voice.
Australia and the UK share a lot of the same cultural issues, what do you think are some of our biggest contemporary problems?
Well of course, Australia and the UK have shared history that both nations are still grappling with. I think the biggest challenge for both nations is how to reconcile a cultural identity based on racial elitism with the economic realities of a globalised world.
You're known not just for your rapping but as a journalist and public speaker; was that always a career goal?
The first person I ever saw give a lecture was KRS One and, so again, it seemed normal to me that MCs would and should use their platforms to promote social justice and speak on a range of topics. Coming from the background that he did, KRS made it appear perfectly normal for a rapper who did not attend university to feel confident in that kind of intellectual space. So yes, it has always been one of my goals to do the same/ similar things. And then of course Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X were also huge influences during my formative years – needless to say both those men are two of the greatest public speakers ever.
Your music combines a range of genres, who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, the WU Tang clan, Gil Scott Heron, Public enemy, Eryka Badu, Sacred spirit, the cinematic Orchestra, DJ Shadow, Lauryn Hill, Nina Simone.
You've founded The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company and he's mentioned throughout your work; have you always had a fascination with Shakespeare?
Yes. I was lucky enough to be part of the GCSE generation when the Baz Luhrrman’s “Romeo and Juliet” came out. This film engaged generation of Shakespeare’s work in an incredible and unique way. Also I spent a large part of my childhood in what was then London’s leading African-Caribbean led theatre, the Hackney Empire, and whilst I do not recall seeing any Shakespeare there being so close to theatrical works so regularly primed me to not be intimidated.
This is your first time touring Australia, what are you looking forward to?
I have been to Australia once before and what I can say is that I am not looking forward to the flight!!! I am however looking forward to engaging with a new audience, seeing how the political and cultural land lies and hopefully engaging with some socially progressive groups and thinkers as well as of course performing at my shows.
You seem to have a large interest in literature, what are some of your favourite books?
'A Brief History Of Seven Killings' by Marlon James just won the Man Booker prize and is genuinely one of the best novels I’ve read in years. Outside of that try any of the following:
'The Awakening Of Intelligence'
'The Tao Te Ching'
'100 Years Of Solitude'
'The Fountainhead'
'The Glass Bead Game'
'Song Of Solomon'
'They Came Before Columbus'
etc. etc....in fact there are several book lists on my blog! (akalamusic.com)
Who most inspires you?
The great musicians mentioned above, but mostly people who have used their talents to raise awareness about injustice and challenge social ills. Also figures from history that have given their lives to pave the way for things that we take for granted today.
What are you most proud of achieving to this point?
I think the everyday interaction with people in the street were inspired by my work and or words remains the thing that makes me most proud and feel even greater conviction in taking the route that I have chosen.
You've done so much in your career so far, what's in the future for you?
I have always wanted to be involved in helping build and/or design a new kind of educational facility aimed at getting the very best out of every individual and with a more holistic approach to education. This still remains a long-term goal for me, one I very much hope to fulfil.
Written by Brendan MacLean
Akala Tour Dates
Sat 12 December - Northcote Social Club (Melbourne)Fri 18 December - The Woolly Mammoth (Brisbane)
Sat 19 December - Newtown Social Club (Sydney)
