Among the constellation of stars in the music firmament, a new luminary has risen. He goes by the name of AKAI, a moniker taken from his real name, Malakai Jones. Yet, AKAI’s story is more than just an ascendancy in the world of Afrobeats and Amapiano. It is a narrative of identity, diasporic longing, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.
Born in the United States to Nigerian and German parents, AKAI has always felt a kinship to his African heritage. The echoes of Afrobeats and Amapiano in his home and heart have strongly influenced his sound, giving birth to a blend that is both evocative of his African roots and reflective of his Western upbringing.
With the June 2023 release of his debut single “NAIJA Boy,” AKAI declared his presence on the global Afrobeats stage, and this rising star hasn’t shown signs of dimming since. With “NAIJA Boy,” AKAI was able to spotlight his love for his people, using music as a bridge, a uniting force celebrating one’s origins no matter where they are rooted.
His foray into music started five years prior, beginning with music theory and evolving into a fascination with music production. He, however, momentarily paused his journey behind the desk, daring to face his fears and step in front of the microphone. With the support of his close friend RJ, AKAI’s transition from producing to performing was set in motion, and the course of his music career was forever altered.
AKAI, the self-proclaimed Mr. Naija Boy, aims to bridge the gap between the diaspora and their homeland, a theme echoing throughout his music. Born and bred in a land distant from his roots, he confesses to a longing for the motherland, a sentiment many children of the diaspora can relate to.
When AKAI crafted “NAIJA Boy,” he initially failed to see its potential. It was shelved momentarily, but upon releasing it, the positive reception was overwhelming. Friends, fans, and followers praised the genuineness and raw emotion woven into the track—an ethos AKAI aims to preserve in all his music. He wants listeners to feel proud of their heritage, wherever they may hail from, aiming to inspire a sense of identity and unity through his work.
A fan of Ayra Starr and REMA, AKAI dreams of collaborating with these giants of the Afrobeats world. With his burgeoning career and rapidly growing fan base, it might only be a matter of time before this wish comes to fruition.
Meanwhile, AKAI is laboring on his debut EP “Creation I,” a compilation that promises to tell his story through five emotive tracks. “NAIJA Boy” leads the pack and is already available on all major platforms, with the rest soon to follow.
In a world often divided by borders and origins, AKAI stands as a beacon of unity, fusing music with a message that transcends these divides. His journey so far has been that of a young man using his voice and platform to encourage listeners to take pride in their roots. His music serves as a rallying cry for unity in the face of diasporic disconnection.
Stay connected with AKAI’s journey and witness his ascent in real-time by following him on Instagram, and listen to his musical offerings on Apple Music and Spotify. “NAIJA Boy” is also available for streaming on Spotify. Tune in and let AKAI’s heartfelt melodies and powerful rhythms transport you to the vibrant heart of the Afrobeats and Amapiano scene.
