Senior Kemi Akinbileje is a performer who performs anything from poetry, raps at open mics, dancing at recitals, and singing while ministering in church.

“I pretty much take any opportunity I’m offered and run with it.” Akinbileje said.

Akinbileje has always expressed a love for music ever since she was young. Her first performance was at a Bible summer camp in which she led the entire class onstage. It was before high school that she became involved with activities such as a collaborating with a few friends in middle school and creating her first song when she was 11.

The rapper M.I.A inspires Akinbileje because of her ability to integrate culture into various forms of hip-hop, gaining much attention while still modest in her lyrics. She also mentioned that Beyoncé and Iggy Azalea are some other people she has looked up to for their energy and ability.

Akinbileje has had the pleasure to perform at various places for numerous events. She has performed at South Lakes for multiple events, open mic in Washington D.C, events at the Library of Congress, and at church services at Heritage Fellowship Church. Her most popular songs are “Moment 4 Life Remix”, “Sunshine”, and her new song “Brand New”.

“I hope to pursue more preforming opportunities as I leave for New York in the fall.” Akinbileje said.

This fall Akinbileje will be pursuing an artistic career at Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music within Tisch School of Arts at New York University. There she will major in recorded music and entrepreneurship, where she will be able to live out her dream as a preforming entrepreneur.

“Be yourself and always accept criticism and advice,” Akinbileje said. “Without it you’ll never improve to rise to greatness know who you are and what you want to be and don’t succumb to others aspirations and negations.”