Akia Uwanda McDaniel, aka Akia Uwanda, is a Jacksonville, Florida native who was raised an only child and relied heavily on her vivid imagination. She explored and appreciated different genres of music, art, culture, math and science which have all prepared her to be the entertainer, visionary and advocate for STEAM that she is today.

Classically and experientially trained, sultry jazz and soul vocalist Akia Uwanda is a multi-talented entertainer and, superiorly, the girl next door. This songstress has been an adored singer and performer most of her life, but has remained a helpful philanthropist and exemplar of humility throughout her climb to success.

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Akia has infectiously captured the hearts and minds of many with her warmth, glowing beauty, and siren-like chords.  She has opened for Earth, Wind and Fire, Avery Sunshine and Jamison Ross, as well as shared the same stage with jazz greats Gregory Porter, Ledisi and Kamasi Washington.

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Akia has been scouted by numerous music producers and playwrights and has humbly performed on stages nationally and abroad. From private, sultry jazz soirees to regionally adapted stage play performances, she has performed at national venues such as the illustrious Four Seasons Hotel in Houston; Carnegie Hall, New York; and in Italy.

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The uniqueness of her essence, sound, and delivery have catapulted her into an impeccable career. She has been requested to perform in South Korea, performed on the world’s stage during Super Bowl Fifty-one and at an exclusive yacht party at the behest of the Jacksonville Jaguar (NFL) team owner, Shad Khan. She is one of the most sought-after vocal talents in America and is progressively cultivating her global appeal. 

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As an actress, Akia Uwanda played the role Adda Perle-Good Witch of the North in The Wiz, Church Lady Darlene and Shug Avery in The Color Purple stage plays, and starred as the lead character, Anta, in the original musical/dramatic play entitled Majigeen, as Anta, written and produced by Jennifer Chase.

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 As a model, she has accomplished many goal from winning 2001 International Model of the Year with Black Sophisticate’s Magazine and Linden Day Publishing to owning a Multicultural Modeling & Talent Management Agency. 

Akia coproduced and released her debut Jazz album, LIFT, during her performance at the 2017 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. She often performs at national music festivals, including the JAX Jazz Festival and served as an Emcee as well. Akia is the 2023 Jacksonville Image Awards Winner for Music Excellence.

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Akia Uwanda McDaniel is a Polymath at heart. Her entrepreneurial spirit expands into the Brand Strategist, Media, Technology, Event Planning and Consultation Businesses as the owner of Akia Uwanda Enterprises and Global Music & Publishing Group.  She takes the business of entertainment seriously and speaks to kids about the development of music in video gaming and the emotions that it evokes.

 

Akia Uwanda was the cohost and coproducer of an internet radio talk show called THE NDUSTRY “A Showcase of the Industry’s Top Emerging Talent” on her co-founded network, THE NDUSTRY ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK. As a TV producer, she has coproduced Jacksonville’s Next Top Model. Her latest project that she has coproduced with Film Maker, Ernest White II, “Pearl My World” is set to be released summer 2026. 

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Akia served as Chair of the Beaches Fine Arts Series Board of Trustees for several years and now serves on its Executive Committee. She is also a Board of Trustees Member for Intentionally P.R.E.T.T.Y, a 501(c)(3) organization.