News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. October 21, 2024: British Jamaican rapper, author and activist Akala is making headlines alongside actress Angelina Jolie, 49, after the two were recently spotted at the 68th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall. This image has fueled speculation about their relationship, after Akala appeared on Jolie’s Instagram just a month ago, hinting at a new romance or is it just friendship?.
Jolie and Akala first sparked romance rumors in August when they were spotted leaving her hotel together during the Venice International Film Festival.
At the time, In Touch claimed the two had been dating for “over a year” after Akala joined Angelina and her daughters Zahara, 19, and Shiloh, 18, at the Calabash Literary Festival in Jamaica in May last year .
The pair were also said to have enjoyed dinner together in Milan six months later, sparking further curiosity about their relationship.
However, according to TMZ, the pair are just good friends and Akala is said to be in a relationship with Chanelle Newman, the co-founder and executive producer of his music and hip-hop company Shakespeare.
Despite being in the middle of a legal dispute with her ex-husband Brad Pitt, Jolie radiated confidence in a striking black blazer teamed with a plunging vest, tailored trousers and heeled boots. Her elegant ensemble, paired with minimal makeup and gold earrings, turned heads. Akala, meanwhile, looked dapper in a turtleneck sweater worn under a double-breasted coat, dark jeans and smart trainers.
Here are 10 things you need to know about Akala, the British Jamaican talent linked to Jolie:
- Full name: Kingslee James McLean Daley, known professionally as Akala, was born on December 1, 1983, in Crawley, West Sussex.
- Family roots: Akala’s mother is Scottish, and his father is Jamaican. His sister is the Grammy Award-winning artist, Ms. Dynamite.
- Pan-African Impact: Raised in Kentish Town, London, Akala credits the pan-African Caribbean community for shaping his upbringing and intellectual development.
- Educational Advocacy: Akala, who dropped out of university, went on to receive honorary degrees from Oxford Brookes University and Brighton University for his educational work.
- Music career: Akala’s debut album It’s not a rumor (2006) brought him widespread recognition, winning the MOBO Award for Best Hip-Hop Act.
- Social Activism: A vocal advocate for racial equality, Akala’s work extends beyond music. His book of 2018 Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire addresses themes of race, class, and inequality.
- The Shakespeare Connection: Akala founded the Shakespeare Hip-Hop Company in 2009 to explore the cultural connections between Shakespeare’s works and modern hip-hop.
- Global performances: Akala has performed all over the world, becoming the first hip-hop artist to headline a concert in Vietnam in 2007.
- Romantic speculations: Growing rumors of Akala and Jolie’s relationship started after he appeared on her Instagram, sparking interest in their dynamic.
- Cultural influence: Akala continues to influence not only the music industry, but also literary and educational circles through his activism, writing and public speaking.
As the two continue to appear together, the world is watching this intriguing couple.
Ironically, Madonna also made headlines recently for her apparent romance with a 28-year-old Jamaican man.
