I am Naki. Daughter of Ghanaian royalty and an American coal miner. Born in Columbus, Ohio my love for poetry and performance began at the age of 12.
I am a sign, miracle, and wonder intrigued by the natural flow of creative expression. Studying historic writers such as Phyllis Wheatley, Langston Hughes, Toi Derricote, and many more I was introduced to my mentor Rane Arroyo freshman year in college.
I found my voice and quickly became a highly requested artist on campus and took the community by storm with a poetic call that requires a response. Poetry is my outlet on a platform of creative expression. I have performed with hip hop and Grammy nominated artists all while achieving academically and earning a master’s degree.
I am a cultural ambassador passionate about youth development. I have a voice destined to be heard. The last poet standing, May the Most High Divine Creator be pleased, for the words and messages I continue to serve.
Why you should listen
In life there are many sayings relating to the common phrase that “actions speak louder than words”. I will use my talk to demonstrate the power of collective collaboration and challenge the lens in which we relate to ART in Ghanaian culture.
My hope is to empower people to love themselves, their culture, and most importantly their history, and how they identify themselves through the catalyst of performance poetry.
Quote from Naki
“I love God like I love poetry… simply because God deemed poetry as the art of loving language. Such a gift that words are timeless. May whatever I write live forever. ” – NAK
About TEDxAccra
TEDxAccra is annual event, where thinkers and doers of our community are gathered to create and share ideas.
This year’s TEDx will come off from April 19 to 23, 2016. The event seeks to develop and leverage the TED experience at a community level, bring together innovative thinkers to connect and discuss great ideas.
At TEDxAccra, participants will take part in a TED-like experience that will ultimately equip and inspire them into boundless possibilities.
The concept is to reflect ideas and inspire thinking of a new generation of African thinkers and leaders, presenting to an audience committed to engaging and reengaging in an active and meaningful manner with the continent.
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Source: TEDxAccra