Akia Uwanda

Not only is Akia Uwanda a classically trained jazz singer — she is an entrepreneur, internationally beloved performer, and humanitarian. On top of all of those well-earned titles, Uwanda is also a Jacksonville native! Raised as an only child right here in Northeast Florida, she has imbued the culture, art, and history of the first coast into her career as a multi-talented, multi-faceted artist.

Uwanda’s debut album was released in 2017 at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Entitled Lift, this album contains jazz classics like “Autumn Leaves” (originally written in 1945 by Joseph Kosma) and “Motherless Child” (originally written in 1918 by Harry Thacker Burleigh) as well as original songs from Uwanda, such as “You Seem Familiar.” During her career, she has played at venues both illustrious and humble — from Carnegie Hall to St. Augustine’s own Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center. Along with singing for audiences large and small, Uwanda has also performed alongside some of the biggest names in the game — having taken the stage alongside Earth, Wind, and Fire, Kamasi Washington, and Gregory Porter.

Akia Uwanda favors jazz and soul tunes with sultry vocals and sings original songs and jazz favorites. She is well-known for her vocal abilities (she ranges from low alto to high soprano) and stage presence, which evokes the image of the girl next door — with a soulful secret.