Overview
Independent artist Akili Ni Mali presents a high-energy tribute to the legendary Erykah Badu, inspired by Fat Belly Bella . Akili brings a captivating, depth to the stage, recently showcased in her portrayal of Nina Simone. Drawing from a prolific year of 2024–2025 releases and influences ranging from Sade to Jazmine Sullivan, she reimagines the Badu catalog through a soulful lens of R&B, jazz, and classic hip-hop. Expect an evening of evocative storytelling, effortless groove, and vocal mastery that honors the "Queen of Neo-Soul" while spotlighting one of the most versatile voices in the contemporary scene.
Akili Ni Mali is an Independent recording artist who is California-born and Indianapolis-raised. With a sound blend of R&B, Soul, Jazz, & Pop, some of her musical influences are Jazmine Sullivan, Rachelle Farrelle, Sadé, & India Arie. She released her EP Breathe in 2020, along with singles Good Life (2020), Right (2021), Sold (2022), Lana Del Rey (2023) and 9-5 (2024), her EP Changes (2024), Ick (2025), and S'éloigner (2025). Akili received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Ball State University in 2019.
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