Key Takeaways
- Akala launched Illa State Records in 2003 and remains active in music.
- He earns significantly from album sales, tours, and live performances
- His TV and radio appearances boosted his visibility and success.
Akala, the rapper and activist, is estimated to have a net worth between $1 million and $5 million in 2024, showcasing his success across multiple fields, including music, writing, and activism.
Originally from London, Akala has built a multifaceted career that continues to flourish.
His primary source of wealth comes from his music career, while his other sources of income include journalism, book sales, poetry, and public speaking engagements.
Akala began releasing music in 2003 through his independent label, Illa State Records, and remains active in the industry today.
A significant portion of his wealth comes from album sales, EPs, mixtapes, singles, concerts, and tours.
His notable tracks and albums include “Roll Wid Us,” “The Edge,” “Shakespeare,” “Freedom Lasso,” “DoubleThink,” and “Find No Enemy,” among others.
In 2007, he made history as the first hip-hop artist to headline a concert in Vietnam.
He has also performed at major U.K. festivals like V Festival, Wireless, Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, and the Isle of Wight.
In November 2010, Akala embarked on his 20-date headline tour across the UK.
His appearances on television and radio have further contributed to his success.
During a live session on BBC Radio 1Xtra, he was challenged to create a rap using as many Shakespeare play titles as possible.
He also gained recognition for his performances on Charlie Sloth’s “Fire in the Booth” show in 2011 and 2012, which were widely praised. This further solidified his career and financial gains.
Beyond music, Akala has made a significant impact as an author. His bestselling book, “Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire,” published in 2018, established him as an influential voice beyond the music world.
This book continues to be a vital source of income, available on Amazon in various formats, including Kindle (£4.99), Hardcover (£8.08), Audiobook (£0.99 with membership), and Paperback (£10.33).
Akala is also a children’s book author. His book “Hip and Hop: You Can Do Anything” aims to introduce school kids to hip-hop. It is available on Amazon for $11.36 in paperback.
In 2016, he also published a graphic novel/comic book titled “Visions.”
In addition to his creative ventures, Akala runs “The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company,” a music theatre production company that merges Shakespeare’s works with modern hip-hop.
As an activist and public speaker, he has given guest lectures at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Essex, Sydney University, Cardiff University, and the International Slavery Museum.
He also hosts workshops like songwriting sessions at the School of Oriental and African Studies.
Overall, Akala’s estimated net worth reflects his diverse career, with earnings coming from music, books, public speaking, and other ventures, including potential real estate and investments.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Akala, born on December 1, 1983, in Crawley, West Sussex, grew up with his older sister, Ms. Dynamite, the British R&B and grime pioneer. His real name is Kingslee James McLean Daley.
- On June 23, 2018, he earned an honorary Doctor of Art from Oxford Brookes University and later, on July 31, 2018, received an honorary degree from Brighton University.
- He was named Best Hip Hop Act at the 2006 MOBO Awards and listed among the 100 Most Influential Black British People.
