I am a singer/songwriter from Indianapolis, IN. I have experience singing jazz, classical, and doing R&B as well as Pop music covers. I have been playing guitar for 8 years and accept bookings as a solo artist. However, I am apart of a band who is willing to perform. I have 2 years of experience performing professionally in theme parks such as Kings Island (Cincinnati, OH), and Kings Dominion (Richmond, VA). I have been doing musical theatre for over 10 years, and I enjoy performing in a variety of fashions. Whether its originals, band covers, concert style, or cabaret style, you name it and I'm your girl for the job!
Akili was wonderful from the moment of booking until the end of the show. She was a great communicator and we were able to work out all the details on a tight timeline.
Akili was on time and prepared to set up as we discussed.
Akili connected well with our group and tuned into our event.
As far as the performance, her voice was amazing and she offered a variety of music that she had planned and some off the cuff with feedback from
our small and intimate audience.
She also took a little time to get to know and our business better, which we greatly appreciated as part of our mission is connecting people to the artists and not just the finished art or performance.
I’d have Akili back in a heartbeat.
Many thanks Akili and to Gig Salad for leading us to her.
Price Range: $1-3K
Gig Length: 60 - 180 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $1,000 - National Specialty Insurance Company - Musicians - Policy #IBL-PK8ZS3QY3J
Unions: SAG-AFTRA, AEA
When hiring me you can expect/ask for one of three things: a Jazz set, an original song set, or a cover set. I can do up to 3 full sets in any given show.
With a jazz set, you will get:
1. 5-10 jazz songs with (provided) accompanist, depending on the length of event.
2. Cabaret style introductions, and stories with each piece.
With an original song set, you will get:
1. 5-7 original songs
2. Promotions of my music on different streaming platforms.
3. Acoustic set of songs.
4. Cabaret style introductions, and/or stories behind each song.
With a cover set, you will get:
1. 5-10 cover songs (no requests unless there is a list to choose from presented to me prior to the event).
2. 1-3 original songs (optional) / Promotions of my music on different streaming platforms (also optional).
3. Acoustic set of songs as well as backing tracks provided (all equipment is self-provided: mics, amps, chords, etc.).
4. Cabaret style introductions, and/or stories behind each song.
Independent Artist | R&B, Soul, Jazz, Pop
California-born and Indianapolis-raised, Akili Ni Mali is a dynamic, independent recording artist whose sound is a blend of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. Known for her powerful vocal delivery and emotive storytelling, Akili began her musical journey in the vibrant Indianapolis scene, performing at iconic venues such as The Jazz Kitchen, The Chatterbox, The Cabaret, and Bloombox Indy.
Her captivating sound has earned her recognition, including being selected as one of four featured artists for Art & Soul 2025, presented by the Indy Arts Council. Akili is now embracing the Chicago music scene, with aspirations to connect with and contribute to its thriving artistic community.
Akili's musical influences range from the soulful stylings of Jazmine Sullivan, Rachelle Ferrell, Sadé, and India Arie, shaping her unique blend of genres. Her discography includes her debut EP Breathe (2020), followed by standout singles like Good Life (2020), Right (2021), Sold (2022), Lana Del Rey (2023), 9-5 (2024), and her latest EP Changes (2024). Her newest single, Ick (2025), showcases her evolving sound and deepens her connection with listeners.
Akili graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ball State University in 2019, bringing a rich blend of performance experience to her music career.
It is possible (depending on the set list) that I will need one or all of the following:
- Instrument mics
- Mic Stands
- Amps/chords/backline - plugins/speakers
- Music stands
***Any and all of these requirements can be negotiated upon booking***
I can provide the following:
- Vocal Microphone/Mic Stand/Cable
- PA System
-Music Stand
| October 07, 2022 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Cocktail Party |
***My set let list changes upon request/event type***
| Akili Ni Mali | Singer |
| Pianist | Piano |
| Bass Player | Electric Bass |
| Charles Platz | Guitarist |
| Cassius Goens | Drummer |
One of my biggest influences is India Arie. She is the reason why I was so motivated as a kid to pick up my guitar and play. I wouldn't be the songwriter I am today without her influence.
PA System/Mixer
Instrument Mics
Monitors
Mic Stands
Music Stands
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