Today we’d like to introduce you to Kai Kakuyon.
Hi Kai, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My life started in small home in Lithonia, GA. I was a home birth surrounded by artists, soldiers, preachers and athletes and the minute I touched air I was trained for success. Curious military kids became my driven, antsy and freethinking elders. I had lived in 3 states off an art teacher’s salary before the age of 6 and still had a charter school education. Yet, in a world where pro ball was my granddad’s dream and grand education was my father’s, life had its own plans. The year I turned 7, I starred as James Oglethorpe in a historical stage play and fell in love with the art of storytelling and activism on the spot. As I took my first bow, however my twin brother was taking his last breath on the floor of our charter school’s main hallway. At a crossroads between music, basketball and religion, the only matter of importance to my Second grade brain was smiling, breathing and telling stories that never got to be told. In the 10 years that followed, a young dream from a small stage blossomed into grand performance marked by TED Talks, National symposiums and a slight Hamilton obsession. At the core of my expression love, health, freedom and counseling were and are the only virtues that matter. I graduated from North Springs Charter High School in 2020 with enough credits to be a nurse and a stage director. Ultimately, I just wanted to leave my bed and make the world a little less stressful. 2020 Vision was pretty clear to say the least.
Since, I’ve been studying at Alabama State University on a Full incentive scholarship from the 5 Strong Foundation. Through the guidance and support of dedicated instructors and mentors, I’ve produced and directed my first play/radio show, started a film company, reactivated a performing arts fraternity and joined the first RNB/Pop band the university had ever seen. Earlier this year, I made my professional acting debut in The Watson’s Go To Birmingham at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, brought to you by the same community who wasn’t allowed to read it in school. Today, tomorrow and forever I strive to tell stories that don’t get to see the air. After all, if there’s anything I’ve learned so far it’s until I take my last breath, whether I’m at home, in school or on stage, I’m happy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
• Health wise, I live and grow with asthma, adhd, depression and a cyst the size of an orange in the front of my neck.
• I was hospitalized frequently as a child to treat and manage severe food allergies
• My parents divorced when I was 14
• A pandemic halted my future at graduation
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a creative director, performer and sound designer above all. I have onstage experience ranging from official TED Talks and STEM speeches when I was 13 to Live band performance and stage acting today. However, I also thrive behind the scenes with a passion for sound design, photography and direction. I’ve been a designer and director in musical theatre, radio broadcasting, film and live musical performance since I was 17. Due to my challenges in life and unique perspective, I specialize in stories and voices that speak of psychology, religious freedom and pediatric healthcare.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
While I do believe that art and activism will always thrive amongst social change, it seems the entertainment industry must evolve or hibernate under the rise of AI. In 5 years I do see AI becoming a much larger tool in marketing, writing, composing and visual effects. I also think revolution and reinvention will continue to be core themes and trends. In 10 years, I see a virtual reality taking more of a front seat.
Pricing:
- $500 for Music Video Direction
- $100 for Audio/Visual Editing
- $50 for Cover Art
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/kaikakuyon
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supremeguykai?igsh=MWVqeDZvNjNzdzM0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BS2dbPP12/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kai-winborne-b1412526a?trk=people-guest_people_search-card
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@craftedbykaku?si=Z9KgbgzNzZWjdOnz
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/BjXCkidkqRRTgTi79
Image Credits
Kai Kakuyon
Yero Winborne
Carson Shearer
Kevin Blackmon
Terron Baldwin
