From Dallas, Tx, American Idol star, Akelee was born with the voice of a sultry angel! Inspired by the great Michael Jackson, Akelee aims to mix faith with pop culture to cultivate love and add positivity to our world. But she is doing this through more than just her music as she is very active with both the Peggy Beatrice Foundation and Dove Prosperity International to help restore communities. Please read further to learn more about her music and positive impact on the world in our exclusive interview with Akelee.

Where are you based?
I just moved from Los Angeles, Ca, to Dallas, Tx.

You've been a singer since you were young; what inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
Ever since I was a little child I loved singing and it was all that I could think about. It's like this career choose me, and as I grew, I just fell deeply in love with the creative process and could not see myself working in any other industry.

Who is your biggest musical influence? Do you believe it affects your singing/songwriting?
Wow, there are so many great artists that I could list Whitney Houston, Karen Carpenter, and Tina Turner. However, if I had to choose only one that has had a major influence on me as an artist as well as a songwriter, it would be Michael Jackson. It's more about the spirit from which he created. Mostly I have been influenced by the way he has been able to mix faith with pop culture to cultivate love and add positivity to our world. In a very pure authentic way, I create and sing from that same space, and I have always held him as a true example dear to my heart.

We've heard that your voice and music have appeared in commercials and on television for Disney, Pepsi, and other companies. What are some commercials where we might have heard your voice?
Well, you may have heard my voice appear on an old navy commercial, or Pepsi Bubly commercial and even some of you may have had the chance to hear my voice on the trailer for ABC’s hit television 'Show For Life'.

Your first song placement was in 2012, on a track called Mr. Pretender from the Weight and Glory album by KB. This album went on to be the #1 album on the Billboard gospel charts and the #1 album on iTunes in the United States, France, and Canada. What was your reaction to this? Did you ever expect it to get as big as it did?
I remember singing and writing this particular song and I loved it. It felt big, It felt powerful and every time I would listen back I would get chills. When Mr. Pretender was finally released, I was blown away at how great it had done. To be honest, you never know which song will be the song that will fly high. However, I was so excited, and the outcome of this song gave me confirmation and the confidence I needed letting me know that I was on the right track.

Your debut solo single, 'Carry Me,' is beautiful! What's the backstory to the title? Will there be a music video?
Thank you! I wrote Carry me after a long day in the middle of the pandemic. To be honest, I remember when I sat down to record Carry me. My heart was so heavy and I just cried and sang. It is one of my most vulnerable songs. After recording Carry Me I felt a sense of hope and my spirit had been instantly lifted. I love Carry Me as this song is very special to me.

Is this going to be the first single off an upcoming album in the future?
Yes! I have truly created my dream album and I absolutely can’t wait to share it with everyone. :)

You work closely with an organization called the Peggy Beatrice Foundation, whose primary goal is to restore communities. Can you tell us more about this foundation and what inspired you to participate? How do you feel when you go out and see the difference you're making?
I have a really good friend by the name of Pierre Johnson who has a heart of gold. He is the founder of the Peggy Beatrice foundation. I was inspired by the hands-on approach he exemplified by personally getting out there himself and connecting with people who are in need. It is great to be in the position to financially support where a need should be met; however, through the Peggy Beatrice Foundation I have been able to witness the importance of going into the fields and participating hands-on by supplying and distributing clothing or even by organizing and passing out food those who are in despair and that are hungry. It makes my spirit leap for joy and fills my cup as I truly love getting the chance to connect with and help our fellow brothers and sisters who are in need. I believe everyone should know that they are seen, loved, and heard.

You are also a co-founder of Dove Prosperity International; can you tell us more about the foundation's missions and what inspired you to become a co-founder?
Yes! My husband/ Partner Damien Dove and I share similar hearts when it comes to our faith, serving our world and simply loving people. Damien had been on many mission trips where he was able to serve communities rather in Cuba, Argentina, etc and has traveled all around the world doing so. I had also chosen the path to serve our world, especially through the outlet of my music. I have had the honor of being able to sing and speak at schools, colleges, and churches and have created opportunities to serve those in need by going into the fields providing food and necessities as well as having the pleasure of serving alongside The Peggy Beatrice foundation. Together Damien and I created Dove Prosperity International. With Dove Prosperity International, our mission is to be a light for those who are in the dark while empowering and inspiring everyone around the globe. We want to take that same hands-on approach and serve our communities worldwide.

The goal is to spread love rather than resources; can you elaborate on this?
Well, let's reword that. :) I believe it is great to be in a position where you can financially support or fill the gaps where there is a need “Financial resources as well as other resources are always needed. What I have also come to experience and what has inspired me the most as well as what I have seen to be effective is being able to go into the fields personally, visit, listen to and speak with those who are hurting. Simply connecting with people can be so powerful, and spreading love along with providing resources can change lives.

Do you see yourself getting involved in any other foundations in the future?
Yes, I do. My heart is always open and seeking platforms to further our mission at Dove prosperity international.

It has been a crazy past few years. How have you been staying positive?
My music career as well as my family has been an amazing outlet/ blessing for me. Creating allows me to escape and visualize/create something that I can look forward to. Creating keeps me childlike while my husband and my two little boys, Jeramiyah and Elijah, also keep me very busy and full of love and joy.

What is your motto in life?
“Nothing Stays the Same,” This motto tells me to be present and enjoy what is in front of me. At the same time, It tells me not to stress on things, or seasons in life that appear overwhelming as “Nothing stays the same.

To learn more about Akelee, please follow her via the platforms below:
Thank you Jejune for having me:)
www.Akelee.com
Instagram: Akeleeworld
Facebook: Akelee
Twitter: Akelee

Photography by Anna Azarov.

Akelee Will Carry You To Hope