Rising Stars: Meet Curtis Akeem of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Curtis Akeem.

Hi Curtis, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey has always been rooted in two things: creativity and calling. I grew up deeply influenced by music, culture, and the church. From a young age, I was captivated by the sounds of HBCU marching bands, the power of storytelling, and the feeling of community that forms when people gather with purpose. That foundation led me into spaces where I could create and serve—sometimes separately, and now, beautifully combined.

Early on, I found myself behind the scenes hosting events, building platforms for young talent, and giving voice to Black band culture through what would become a movement. As “Dolla Watson,” I produced over 100 Battle of the Bands events, not just as entertainment but as opportunities to tell our story and attract the kind of corporate attention our culture deserves.

At the same time, I was also being shaped spiritually. I didn’t know it then, but every creative idea, every city I flew into, and every band I helped was preparing me to pastor. Eventually, that call became undeniable. Today, I serve as the NexGen Pastor at Springfield Baptist Church, where I get to pour into the next generation—spiritually, creatively, and practically. I’m passionate about helping teens and young adults see that their gifts matter to God, even the ones the church hasn’t always known how to affirm.

I also founded the D Dub Arts Foundation, which merges all my passions: the arts, youth empowerment, education, and advocacy for historically Black institutions. Whether I’m writing a sermon, curating a band showcase, or mentoring a teen who feels misunderstood, I see it all as ministry.

I didn’t take a traditional route, but I believe my journey is proof that God uses all of it—every talent, every detour, every gift. Now, my mission is simple: build bridges. Between culture and calling. Between purpose and platform. Between the world as it is and the world as it could be.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—it’s been anything but smooth. The road has been full of detours, delays, and seasons where I honestly didn’t know if the vision was still worth pursuing. There were times I felt too creative for the church and too spiritual for the culture. Trying to exist in both worlds—media and ministry, arts and theology—often left me feeling like I didn’t fully belong in either.

Financially, there were stretches where I was funding events from my own pocket, believing in something I couldn’t yet explain to others. Spiritually, there were moments where I battled doubt—wondering if I was doing enough, doing it right, or even doing what I was called to do at all. Add in the pressure of being a husband, a father of four, and now a student pursuing theological training, and you can imagine the mental and emotional weight.

I’ve also had to fight the urge to shrink myself to fit into boxes that made other people comfortable. There were people who wanted me to “just be a preacher,” or “just do the band stuff,” or “just be an influencer.” But I knew I wasn’t built to do just one thing. That inner wrestling—to embrace being multi-gifted without feeling scattered—has probably been one of the biggest internal battles.

And yet, every challenge taught me something. The hard seasons showed me what faith really looks like. They pushed me to lean deeper into God, get more organized, surround myself with the right people, and trust the process even when I couldn’t trace the outcome. Looking back, I can say with confidence—those rough roads were where God did His best work in me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the core of everything I do is a mission to build platforms that honor culture, empower young people, and make space for God to move in unexpected places.

I’m a pastor, creative director, event curator, and cultural bridge builder. As the NexGen Pastor at Springfield Baptist Church, I lead our teen ministry with a passion for making faith relevant, practical, and powerful for the next generation. Whether it’s through sermons, mentorship, or immersive worship experiences, I want teens to know that God isn’t just for Sunday—He’s for their whole life.

Outside the pulpit, I’m the founder of the D Dub Arts Foundation, an organization focused on preserving and promoting the richness of HBCU band culture while creating access points for youth in the musical arts. Through the foundation, I’ve created large-scale events like the D Dub Showdown, where powerhouse HBCU bands like Southern University’s Human Jukebox and Tennessee State University’s Aristocrats of Bands collide in celebration and excellence—while also spotlighting local high school bands and giving them a stage they wouldn’t normally get.

I’m known for being able to connect worlds that usually don’t talk to each other—faith and culture, kids and legacy, brands and community. What sets me apart is the ability to see possibility in overlooked places and people. I know how to take a raw idea and breathe life into it, whether it’s a sermon, a mentorship program, or a marching band showcase.

What I’m most proud of? Helping young people see themselves differently. Watching a kid go from unsure and quiet to confident and called. Seeing creatives who thought they didn’t belong in church realize they’re essential to the kingdom. And helping churches understand that creativity isn’t a threat—it’s a gift from God.

At the end of the day, I’m just trying to build what I never had—spaces where young, gifted, creative people can thrive, grow in faith, and walk boldly in purpose.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy? Without question—my family. My wife and our four incredible children are the center of my joy and the heartbeat behind everything I do. They are my why.

There’s nothing like the sound of my kids laughing in the house, or sitting down to dinner and hearing about their day. Watching them grow, learn, and discover who they are is one of the greatest honors of my life. My wife is my anchor—she holds me down, prays for me, challenges me, and reminds me who I am when the pressure gets heavy. Her strength and grace make everything I do possible.

Beyond that, what also makes me happy is seeing people step into purpose—especially young people. When I see a teen discover their gift, or a creative realize they don’t have to choose between culture and calling, that fills me. It brings me joy to know I played a small role in someone seeing themselves the way God sees them.

But at the core, happiness for me is rooted in love, legacy, and obedience. Love for my family, legacy for my children, and obedience to the call God placed on my life. That combination grounds me and keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ddubartsfoundation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtis.akeem/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cakeem/