ECNETNews, New York, NY, Mon. October 21, 2024: British Jamaican rapper, author, and activist Akala is making waves alongside actress Angelina Jolie, 49, after both were spotted at the 68th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall. Their recent appearance has sparked speculation about a potential romantic relationship, following Akala’s prior presence on Jolie’s social media a month ago, raising questions about their connection.
Jolie and Akala first ignited romance rumors in August when they were seen departing her hotel during the Venice International Film Festival.
At that time, reports suggested that the duo had been dating for “more than a year,” particularly after Akala joined Jolie and her daughters Zahara and Shiloh at the Calabash Literary Festival in Jamaica last May.
In a subsequent sighting, the two reportedly enjoyed dinner together in Milan six months later, further stoking curiosity about their relationship.
However, recent updates indicate that the pair may simply be good friends, with Akala reportedly in a relationship with Chanelle Newman, the co-founder and executive producer of his music and the Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company.
Despite her ongoing legal issues with ex-husband Brad Pitt, Jolie appeared confident at the event, showcasing a stunning black blazer paired with a plunging waistcoat, tailored trousers, and sleek heeled boots. She accentuated her look with minimal makeup and gold earrings. Akala complemented her style in a chic turtleneck under a double-breasted coat, dark jeans, and stylish sneakers.
Here are 10 intriguing facts about Akala, the British Jamaican talent linked to Jolie:
- Full Name: Kingslee James McLean Daley, professionally known as Akala, was born on December 1, 1983, in Crawley, West Sussex.
- Family Roots: Akala’s heritage includes a Scottish mother and a Jamaican father, and he is the brother of Grammy Award-winning artist Ms. Dynamite.
- Pan-African Influence: Raised in Kentish Town, London, Akala credits the Caribbean Pan-African community for significantly shaping his education and intellectual pursuits.
- Educational Advocacy: Although Akala skipped university, he earned honorary degrees from Oxford Brookes University and Brighton University for his contributions to education.
- Musical Career: Akala gained widespread recognition with his debut album It’s Not a Rumour (2006), winning the MOBO Award for Best Hip-Hop Act.
- Social Activism: A prominent advocate for racial equality, Akala extends his influence beyond music, notably with his 2018 book Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire.
- Shakespeare Connection: In 2009, Akala founded The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company to bridge the cultural ties between Shakespeare’s works and contemporary hip-hop.
- Global Performances: Akala has performed on stages worldwide, making history as the first hip-hop artist to headline a concert in Vietnam in 2007.
- Romantic Speculation: The rumors surrounding Akala and Jolie’s relationship gained traction after his appearance on her social media, intriguing fans and followers alike.
- Cultural Impact: Akala consistently influences the music industry while contributing to literary and educational spheres through his activism and public discourse.
As these two continue to appear together, the public is keenly watching this intriguing potential pairing.
In a related note, Madonna recently made headlines for her rumored romance with a 28-year-old Jamaican man, highlighting ongoing interest in celebrity relationships.
