“Akua” means precious messenger and is a name given to girls born on Wednesday in Ghana, West Africa. Akua was born in Milwaukee, WI and was raised with Midwest values; being opinionated, outspoken, and regal. Ms. Taylor is the daughter of retired news anchorman Bill Taylor. Before reporting for almost 30 years at WTMJ4, Bill Taylor was a disk jockey. He had a basement full of classic soul records, a sound system to match and frequent get-togethers that were legendary. Bill instilled the love of music in his children; the fundamentals of which stuck with Akua.
Classically trained in piano and vocally rooted in choral music, Akua set her sites on Fisk University in Nashville, TN to be one of the world renowned Jubilee Singers. Not only did she sing with the group but she also reigned as Miss Fisk University 2004-2005. Between classes, Akua wrote, recorded and produced her first album “Reach Higher,” selling it out of her dorm room, bookstore and everywhere she traveled. She promoted independent music on her campus radio show and performed regularly with area bands. Upon graduating Magna cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Akua recorded her EP “Just Tryin’ to Live,” and moved to New York to pursue her music and acting career full time. It began at Food 4 Thought Café in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. Akua sang at a “Liberation Friday” open-mic night and was enthusiastically embraced by the community. She has since performed at AIDS Walk 2008 in Central Park, and has opened for Emily King, Brand Nubian and M1 of Dead Prez.
An appropriate name for her company, Precious Messenger Productions houses all creations of the singer, actress, dancer, songwriter, playwright, composer, and motivational speaker. People say she is refreshing, a breath of fresh air, because she embodies manners that seem almost extinct in today’s youth. Many are amazed to see a young lady embrace her African culture so earnestly. Akua says, “I wear my heritage like it’s going out of style; it’s up to us to keep who we are alive.” |
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