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Sekou Andrews
CEO/Founder, SekouWorld Inc.
Sekou Andrews is a prominent American spoken word poet, entrepreneur, and innovator, best known as the Founder and CEO of SekouWorld, Inc. He has gained recognition for creating the concept of "Poetic Voice," which blends inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry, akin to a fusion of "Hamilton" and TED Talks. This innovative approach has made him a sought-after speaker at Fortune 500 companies and major events, including a performance for Barack Obama in Oprah Winfrey's backyard.123
Background and Career
Born on November 13, 1972, Sekou began his career as a school teacher before transitioning into the arts. He has been performing professionally since 2002 and has won numerous accolades, including two National Poetry Slam championships and the first Grammy nomination for "Best Spoken Word Album" in over 30 years.41 His work has been featured on major media outlets such as ABC World News, CBS, and HBO, highlighting his influence in both the arts and corporate sectors.23
Achievements
Sekou's accomplishments include:
- Awards: Two National Poetry Slam championships, multiple Independent Music Awards, and several CLIO Awards.
- Notable Performances: Shared stages with artists like Drake, Stevie Wonder, and Jay-Z.
- Corporate Engagements: Worked with global brands including Google, Nike, and Viacom.14
Teaching and Influence
In addition to his performances, Sekou also teaches public speaking through his Stage Might training system, helping leaders become more dynamic communicators. His goal is to create a commercially viable industry for spoken word poetry while inspiring others to find their voice.23
Sekou Andrews continues to redefine what it means to be a poet and speaker in today's world, making significant contributions to both the arts and business landscapes.