Akim Funk Buddha

I’ve been part of a large body of work going back to Africa in the 70's & 80's, from being one of the first Hip Hop crews etc. Though I only have a few family photos, cassette tapes and maybe a VHS tape of a play I did in Africa from that time. Most of my documented history starts in the early 1990s when we were major label. Back then, many of us were using the same recording studios and gear, and we’d often hang out together — it was a very connected scene.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe Legit – Hip-Hop Legacy: Has an exhibit at the hip Hop museum in the Bronx ** 2007: VH1 Hip Hop Honors – Whitney Museum of American Art ** Honored for pioneering contributions to hip-hop ** Shared the stage with Grand Wizzard Theodore (inventor of the scratch) ** Celebrated alongside iconic hip-hop figures
🌍 Historic Firsts: First African group to record hip-hop in the U.S. ** Produced by Black Sheep ** Released 1992 album Doin’ Damage in My Native Language - Co-Produced DJ shadows breakthrough track ** Blended African and American traditions through music
🎶 Cultural Impact: ** Helped expand hip-hop’s global reach ** Created bridges between continents and communities
Boom Box Altar
Afro Graffiti

The art of Experimental dance (within Hip Hop)

Over the past few decades, I have been teaching and performing it as movements that occurs when a dancer interprets existing or original movements in an entirely different or personal way. This is often confused with dancing any style to any beat. Highlighting experimental dance shows/ battles will illustrate the innovation and creative evolution within hip-hop.

At House Dance International (HDI) in NYC, I served as the Experimental judge from 2007–2010, alongside Tyrone Proctor and Evelyn Santos (hosted by Ejoe).

Winners during those years:

2007: Future; 2008: Future; 2009: Erika Jimbo; 2010: Future & Chihiro “Cute Beat”

Did You Know?

Akim has collaborated with a range of ground-breaking artists such as Bobby McFerrin at Carnegie Hall, Tony Award winning Director Bill T Jones, touring the world with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance company as throat singer/vocalist, beat boxer, multi-percussionist, and dancer. Akim was the specialized casting agent for dancers on the film Once Again by Boaz Yakin (winner of the Audience Award at the Tallinn Film Fest). Akim is an advocate for alternative learning methods, developing innovative tools that utilizes movement and sound for kids with learning differences. Akim believes that through the power of music and performance, fear and ignorance can be conquered and the world is brought closer together.

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