Conversations with Jennifer Akabue

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Akabue.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Jennifer Akabue – Artist • Advocate • Visionary

My name is Jennifer Akabue, and I’m based in Atlanta, Georgia. I am the Founder and CEO of I AM ARTIST AGENCY, a company devoted to preparing talent for success in the entertainment industry. I’m also a passionate mental health advocate, film producer, recording artist, dancer, and a proud AEA/SAG-E actor.

My journey began in 2008, when I discovered my true calling in the arts after moving to New York City following college. I was a diamond in the rough—full of raw potential, passion, and purpose.

In 2014, my life took an unexpected turn. I lost over 13% of my right lung due to mold exposure. For two years, I struggled to breathe, faced homelessness, and battled chronic depression and anxiety. But God never left my side. In the midst of my pain, I began writing songs as a form of healing—and that’s when JA’DAKU was born.

Fast forward to July 2025—my doctor requested a CT scan of my lung. I was terrified, but I followed through. To my amazement, the scan revealed no damage—no holes, no trace of what once was. I dropped to the floor in tears, worshiping God. I was speechless.

For years, my identity was entangled with my disability. But now, I walk in freedom. God is a healer.

Today, my purpose is clear: to be a voice for the voiceless—especially for those living with mental illness or who have faced impossible odds. I am living proof that healing is real, and purpose can rise from pain.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

My journey began in 2008, when I discovered my true calling in the arts after moving to New York City following college. I was a diamond in the rough—full of raw potential, passion, and purpose.

In 2014, my life took an unexpected turn. I lost over 13% of my right lung due to mold exposure. For two years, I struggled to breathe, faced homelessness, and battled chronic depression and anxiety. But God never left my side. In the midst of my pain, I began writing songs as a form of healing—and that’s when JA’DAKU was born.

Fast forward to July 2025—my doctor requested a CT scan of my lung. I was terrified, but I followed through. To my amazement, the scan revealed no damage—no holes, no trace of what once was. I dropped to the floor in tears, worshiping God. I was speechless.

For years, my identity was entangled with my disability. But now, I walk in freedom. God is a healer.

Today, my purpose is clear: to be a voice for the voiceless—especially for those living with mental illness or who have faced impossible odds. I am living proof that healing is real, and purpose can rise from pain.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Jennifer Akabue – Artist • Advocate • Visionary

My name is Jennifer Akabue, and I’m based in Atlanta, Georgia. I am the Founder and CEO of I AM ARTIST AGENCY, a company devoted to preparing talent for success in the entertainment industry. I’m also a passionate mental health advocate, film producer, recording artist, dancer, and a proud AEA/SAG-E actor.

Career Highlights

Jennifer Akabue served as choreographer, writer, and lead actress in the Off-Broadway production of 1st Gen, produced by Emmy Award winner Erin Cherry and starring Yvonne Orji of HBO’s Insecure. On stage, she toured internationally as part of the Broadway Dreamgirls Japan Tour at Tokyo’s iconic Orb Theater.

Her breakout television role is Diamond in the 3x NAACP Award-winning Peacock series Fight Night, starring Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson, and Taraji P. Henson. On the big screen, she appears as the haunting “Eyes of Death” in the feature film Hell’s Desire, now streaming on Tubi.

Jennifer also portrays Belinda in Judge Me Not on ALLBLK TV alongside Chyna Layne (She’s Gotta Have It), and stars as Shug in the film No Stone Left Unturned. She has a co-starring role in the Emmy-nominated series Washed on Amazon Prime, and plays Nicole in the indie drama Heavy, opposite Jamal Woolard (Notorious).

Her on-camera training at Tasha Smith’s Actor Workshop, Christine Horn, and T Bell Studios prepared her for national commercial campaigns with brands such as JC Penney, Target, Makers Mark, TGI Fridays, and Golden Chick.

I AM ARTIST AGENCY is a full-service Artist Development agency dedicated to preparing emerging and established talent for success in the entertainment industry. We specialize in working with Singers, Rappers, Speakers, and Actors, offering comprehensive training that sharpens both craft and confidence.

Our services include:
• Stage Performance Coaching
• Vocal Training & Songwriting Development
• Music Production & Video Direction
• Dance Choreography
• Makeup & Styling
• Brand Development
• Casting Support & Actor Audition Prep

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to the mental well-being of creatives. As strong advocates for mental health in the industry, we provide career coaching, mental health resources, and emotional support tailored to artists navigating the pressures of performance and personal growth.

At I AM ARTIST AGENCY, we don’t just develop talent—we build purpose-driven artists ready to impact the world.

How do you think about happiness?
What brings me true joy is living out my childhood dreams through the path of my destiny. No matter the obstacles, I’ve remained relentless—and I want others to thrive just the same. I believe this calling is my purpose from God: to overcome, inspire, and help others rise into their own greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.iamartistagency.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjadaku?igsh=Mzc4NDBsYnMyNnJ1&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Iamjadaku

Image Credits
Mackenzie tyra Clark
Jennifer Akabue
Kira Purnell
Stacey Oluchi photography