Akiena is an artist who uses poetry, visual art, music, and literature as her mediums for storytelling. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater with a concentration in Dance and African American Studies.
Akiena’s formal study of poetry during her undergraduate years inspired her to transform the pages of her notebooks into a published body of work. In 2018, she released her debut book of revolutionary yet tender writings My Inside Thoughts Are Poetry, marking her introduction to the literary world as a published author.
My Inside Thoughts Are Poetry
My Inside Thoughts Are Poetry is available at Namaste Bookshop in Manhattan, marking a significant milestone in Akiena’s literary journey as the first Black poet to have her work sold on the shelves of the establishment. Independently published, the book has sold hundreds of copies worldwide and has reached the personal collections of notable figures, including Laurence Fishburne.
The impact of My Inside Thoughts Are Poetry has extended beyond sales, positioning Akiena as an inspiring voice for writers both nationally and internationally. Through her work, she continues to encourage creative expression, authenticity, and storytelling as tools for connection and transformation.
Her second literary release, Like a Flower Needs Sunlight (2022), is a powerful collection of poetry and divine reflections that further amplifies Akiena’s voice, vulnerability, and visionary presence as an emerging poet. Through intimate storytelling, poetry, and prose, Akiena explores solitude, self-healing, and the inward journey toward wholeness.
This collection of heart-centered poetry radiates warmth and light on every page, offering readers a deeply reflective and transformative experience. Selected poems and the cover are illustrated by Jarryd Brown. Autographed copies are available through Akiena’s online bookshop.
Like a flower needs sunlight
Akiena’s second birth, Her new poetry baby. Four years worth of collected poems and storytelling.
Bloom Anywhere, Always.
Bloom Anywhere, Always.
Akiena believes that purpose doesn’t have to be pursued or forced. Being purposeful naturally unfolds when you honor the divinity within. When poetry found her it deepend her soul understanding of the power in language and reminded her how impactful words can be and have always been.
Check out her interview with Harness Magazine by clicking here.
ADD AGWÉ TO YOUR PLAYLIST
Stream her new single
affirmation is a love letter. I am everything I need is what God reminded me in a moment I needed to hear it most many years ago. which sounds so easy but a hard lesson I fought to learn when all I needed to do is surrender.
a jazz record in collaboration with my dear friend and talented musician Ali Dorielle. Out Now and Available on all streaming platforms. Take a listen!
Debut EP
Blending spoken word with hip-hop elements, Poetic Prophecies showcases Akiena’s distinctive, soulful voice and lyrical cadence as both a word musician and prophetic storyteller. A musical extension of her poetry, featuring select works from her book Like a Flower Needs Sunlight, offering listeners a deep, heartfelt experience of sound, story, and soul. Take a listen on ALL streaming platforms! Poetic Prophecies EP by AGWÉ.