Ever evolving...
Nu Afrakan Renaissance woman Imakhu Mwt Shekemet is a storyteller, singer, dancer, spiritual drummer, choreographer,
spoken word artist, writer and director who has built a reputation not only on her diverse talents, but also upon her wit and
love of people. Because of this she has crossed many chasms.
Throughout her thirty year career Imakhu Mwt Shekemet has performed shows and presented workshops at theatres, festivals,
schools, libraries, TV...
Born and raised in Union County, New Jersey, Imakhu began her professional career in 1975 at age fifteen as a solo vocalist
accompanying herself on guitar at various venues, playing contemporary folk songs. She continued to hone her skills as a
singer, storyteller and concert performer in the Baptist Church, where Imakhu says she received her best training in spite of
all of professional theatre, voice and dance instruction ("If you can move a Baptist congregation you can perform
ANYWHERE!" says Imakhu). The following year she was the reluctant title winner of the Miss Black Fantasia pageant
(Imakhu's mother entered Imakhu against her wishes). Imakhu continued performing in diverse venues, including theatre. At
age eighteen Imakhu accepted an offer after graduating high school to jump right into the business by performing on
gospel/R&B singer Billy Scott's album as a background vocalist, instrumentalist (flute, sax, percussion) and musical arranger.
She has hit the ground running ever since...
As an actress, Imakhu has appeared in shows including THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG, WORKING, KINSWOMEN,
THE COLORED MUSEUM. Phases of '97 to '99 found Imakhu Mwt Shekemet touring the East and West coast as Charlaine
in the musical AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' directed by A. Curtis Farrow. Imakhu currently presents her original One-Woman
productions, RENEGADE VOICE FROM THE MYTHIC MOSAIC, and WEDNESDAY'S AFRICAN CHILD: GOTH TALES OF
MY BLACK PEOPLE. Imakhu has recently re-embraced the art of gothic belly dance and has incorporated it back into her
performance repertoire in her unique style of Nu Afrakan Renegade Belly Dance.
Imakhu has choreographed numerous dances and theatre performances, including "Once on This Island," "Damn Yankees,"
"Once upon a Mattress," "West Side Story," "Hello Dolly," and "They're Playing Our Song." Imakhu Mwt Shekemet served as
director/choreographer of the liturgical Praise Dance group, The JOYFUL PRAISERS of Anderson Baptist Church in
Anderson, New Jersey (1992-1995). During that same time Imakhu founded and directed her own multi-generational,
liturgical dance group, HARMONIC ESSENCE, which honored universal spiritual themes. Imakhu was also lead African
dancer and a principal drummer for Ghanaian drummer/entertainer Maxwell Kofi Donkor and his group SANKOFA.
In 1995 Imakhu Mwt Shekemet joined IT EXPRESSES ME (I.E.M.), Lehigh Valley, PA's only African American theatre
ensemble. She served as a director, choreographer, producer, and technical advisor for I.E.M's 1st Anniversary Performance.
Thereafter in the same year, Imakhu retired HARMONIC ESSENCE to found, direct, produce and write for her new
theatre/performance ensemble, THE ZAWADI COLLECTIVE, which Imakhu retired after its ten anniversary.
Imakhu is former member of the popular performance duo JUXTURES!, which celebrated world cultures through music,
storytelling and dance (1990-98), seen in schools, libraries, theatres, festivals and on TV. She and her partner,
Steve Riccardelli, also co-hosted "JUXTURES:The Radio Show," featuring topical talk and music on WDVR-FM public
radio in New Jersey. Imakhu eventually hosted/produced her own topical/spoken word/music show,"Reaching for the Sky," for
WLVR-FM public radio in Bethlehem, PA. She went on to host/produce four Internet radio shows in 2003 (ASHE!, GRACE
OF THE GRIOT, SANKOFA SPIRITUALITY for October Gallery.com, JALI! JALIYA! and SANKOFA SPIRITUALITY for
BlakeRadio.com. Imakhu also co-hosted the AM radio show, ETCHINGS on WHAT-AM in Philadelphia. Overall she has
interviewed such notables as Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, Dr. Leiola Afrika. Dr. Muata Ashby, THE LAST POETS'
Abiodun Oyewole, Ramona & Pam Afrika of MOVE, Baba Heru Ankh Ra Semahj se Ptah, Herbert Harris, SPEECH of
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT. ASHE! is now syndicated, and heard on a number of top ranked Internet radio stations along
with her newest show NUBIA GODDESS RISING. Imakhu has used her radio experience to create the Internet radio station,
AKERU Global Network, formerly AKERU NuAfakan Network TM.
In 2001 Imakhu was the subject for the cover article in NEW VISIONS MAGAZINE.
As a writer, Imakhu Mwt Shekemet was columnist and staff writer for the paper FIRST WORLD NEWS, read in Philadelphia,
New York City, Trenton, Newark, and the Lehigh Valley/Poconos area. She also wrote a column for PAINT magazine.
Imakhu is a popular spoken word artist known for her sense of wordplay and deep insights into African American life and the
human condition.
Imakhu served as moderator for a panel discussion of distinguished African American women following the U.S. premiere of
the bio film, "The Eyes of the Rainbow: Assata Shakur and Oya," about the life of activist Assata Shakur (2003). The event
was hosted by the Million Woman March organization. She was also Mistress of Ceremonies for one of Philadelphia's
JUNETEENTH celebrations.
In 2002 Imakhu, along with musicians of the legendary Sun Ra Orchestra, accompanied Sonia Sanchez and Marvin X in,
"In the Crazy House." Imakhu and The Zawadi Collective performed at Philly's Babatunde Olatunji/Mongo Santameria
Homegoing Celebration (2003), where many nationally known drummers and artists honored the passing of the two
drumming legends. Imakhu also drummed with South African drummer Mahwane Maolele and the ensemble TYEHIMBA.
Imakhu Mwt Shekemet is known as,"The Little Lady Who Can Play That Drum." She conducts workshops and retreats on "The
Healing Power of the Drum."
As a 30 year storyteller, Imakhu credits her talents to her family and their North and South Carolina roots. "My (maternal)
grandfather and his brothers would keep the family both mesmerized and in stitches when they got together. I learned a lot
from them..." She also attributes her abilities to her beloved South Carolinian father, who masterfully held power over
listeners with verbal color and charisma. Imakhu was a member of KEEPERS OF THE CULTURE, Philadelphia's storytelling
guild dedicated to the preservation of African culture.
Photo by Imakhu Atef HruKhuti Geb Ast
Photo by Stan Stakenus
Photo by Imakhu Atef HruKhuti Geb Ast
As a teacher, Imakhu began "The Performing Arts Studio," teaching theatre, dance and voice to young students in
Phillipsburg, New Jersey (1990-94). Imakhu has been a workshop presenter (theater, dance, vocal, theatre, storytelling) and
critiquer for New Jersey's Teen Arts Festival since 1990. Imakhu is committed to teaching young people the Arts
(" Art can change and save lives.") Known to her young students as "Mama Shekemet", Imakhu shares the Arts as it was
shared with her - with patience, honesty and compassion. Imakhu has taught for Point Breeze Performing Arts Center of
Philadelphia (2003-04). She also taught at the Mercer County Boys and Girls Club (2004-05), for the city of Trenton's
SCOOP "Raising Young Ladies" after-school mentoring program (2005), and for the Arts Council of Princeton's ArtReach
program (2006). Through Afrikan Poetry Theatre of Queens, NY Imakhu brought arts programming to senior citizens at
Jamaica, Queens, NY senior community centers, to teen boys for New York City's Department of Juvenile Justice detention
homes, and currently teaches in Lower Manhattan's juvenile court system. She has a special talent for and devotion to
teaching at-risk youth, emotionally & physically challenged populations, and senior citizens.
As a visual artist and designer, Imakhu sells her "Nu Afrakan Renegade" TM fashions, crafts, and spiritual products at Etsy.com.
Imakhu is a proud member of the Harlem Arts Alliance.
In 2003 Imakhu Mwt Shekemet led the Mother Bethel Church and street processional in Philadelphia, PA for the famed Rites
of Ancestral Return, dancing as an Egun/Shepsu (revered Ancestor), depicting the freed spirit of an Ancestor who was
previously held in captivity (slavery). This nationally welcomed commemoration marked the final internment of hundreds of
African Ancestors whose remains were discovered in New York. Some of the remains had been taken to Howard University for
study. A major city processional to mark the return of these Ancestors, now in African carved caskets, started in Washington,
DC and ended in New York City. Imakhu considered this honor to be the most humbling experience of her life.
Spiritually, Imakhu Mwt Shekemet has embraced her African origins. Formerly known as Eyele Yetunde (Nigerian Yoruba for
"The Mother/Messenger has returned"), Imakhu Mwt Shekemet Hetep Maati has evolved to become the
Queen Mother/Elder High Priestess and co-leader of KERA SERT MWT AST (Sacred Shrine of Mother Aset) , with students
and supporters throughout the U.S. and Canada. Imakhu Mwt Shekemet is also an ordained Interfaith minister who has
performed wedding ceremonies and has performed Libation at numerous events.
In the African Kemetic language "Imakhu" means "Reverend" and "Water Spirit of The Light." "Mwt" (pronounced "Moot")
means "Mother" and "Goddess of the Waters." "Shekemet" means "Woman of Power."A life long bridge builder,
Imakhu Mwt Shekemet answered the call to become a Water Priestess, initiated into the Shona/Ndebele South African
tradition. As a Water Priestess, Imakhu is commissioned to spread the message of peace, self-empowerment, and
understanding through education in the arts.
Imakhu Mwt Shekemet dedicates her life to healing by building bridges. She brings her passion for creating positive
community to most aspects of her work. A dynamic motivational speaker and lecturer, and workshop presenter, Imakhu is a
certified "Success Master" Workshop Presenter through Herbert Harris' LIFESKILL INSTITUTE. Herbert Harris is the renown
author of "The Twelve Universal Laws of Success." Imakhu Mwt Shekemet is the author of the self-empowerment book,
COWRIE BLESSING BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM.
Her music CD, "Water Woman: Organic Flow," is receiving worldwide airplay on Internet and public radio stations.
Imakhu's is producer/host of community/Internet TV show, ASHE!, celebrating African diasporic culture and personal
self-empowerment.
Imakhu's outreach multimedia work has now become AKERU Global Network & MultiMedia, reaching people worldwide
through Internet web casting, radio, recording, and print. Imakhu serves as president and chief executor.
Phillipsburg, New Jersey (1990-94). Imakhu has been a workshop presenter (theater, dance, vocal, theatre, storytelling) and
critiquer for New Jersey's Teen Arts Festival since 1990. Imakhu is committed to teaching young people the Arts
(" Art can change and save lives.") Known to her young students as "Mama Shekemet", Imakhu shares the Arts as it was
shared with her - with patience, honesty and compassion. Imakhu has taught for Point Breeze Performing Arts Center of
Philadelphia (2003-04). She also taught at the Mercer County Boys and Girls Club (2004-05), for the city of Trenton's
SCOOP "Raising Young Ladies" after-school mentoring program (2005), and for the Arts Council of Princeton's ArtReach
program (2006). Through Afrikan Poetry Theatre of Queens, NY Imakhu brought arts programming to senior citizens at
Jamaica, Queens, NY senior community centers, to teen boys for New York City's Department of Juvenile Justice detention
homes, and currently teaches in Lower Manhattan's juvenile court system. She has a special talent for and devotion to
teaching at-risk youth, emotionally & physically challenged populations, and senior citizens.
As a visual artist and designer, Imakhu sells her "Nu Afrakan Renegade" TM fashions, crafts, and spiritual products at Etsy.com.
Imakhu is a proud member of the Harlem Arts Alliance.
In 2003 Imakhu Mwt Shekemet led the Mother Bethel Church and street processional in Philadelphia, PA for the famed Rites
of Ancestral Return, dancing as an Egun/Shepsu (revered Ancestor), depicting the freed spirit of an Ancestor who was
previously held in captivity (slavery). This nationally welcomed commemoration marked the final internment of hundreds of
African Ancestors whose remains were discovered in New York. Some of the remains had been taken to Howard University for
study. A major city processional to mark the return of these Ancestors, now in African carved caskets, started in Washington,
DC and ended in New York City. Imakhu considered this honor to be the most humbling experience of her life.
Spiritually, Imakhu Mwt Shekemet has embraced her African origins. Formerly known as Eyele Yetunde (Nigerian Yoruba for
"The Mother/Messenger has returned"), Imakhu Mwt Shekemet Hetep Maati has evolved to become the
Queen Mother/Elder High Priestess and co-leader of KERA SERT MWT AST (Sacred Shrine of Mother Aset) , with students
and supporters throughout the U.S. and Canada. Imakhu Mwt Shekemet is also an ordained Interfaith minister who has
performed wedding ceremonies and has performed Libation at numerous events.
In the African Kemetic language "Imakhu" means "Reverend" and "Water Spirit of The Light." "Mwt" (pronounced "Moot")
means "Mother" and "Goddess of the Waters." "Shekemet" means "Woman of Power."A life long bridge builder,
Imakhu Mwt Shekemet answered the call to become a Water Priestess, initiated into the Shona/Ndebele South African
tradition. As a Water Priestess, Imakhu is commissioned to spread the message of peace, self-empowerment, and
understanding through education in the arts.
Imakhu Mwt Shekemet dedicates her life to healing by building bridges. She brings her passion for creating positive
community to most aspects of her work. A dynamic motivational speaker and lecturer, and workshop presenter, Imakhu is a
certified "Success Master" Workshop Presenter through Herbert Harris' LIFESKILL INSTITUTE. Herbert Harris is the renown
author of "The Twelve Universal Laws of Success." Imakhu Mwt Shekemet is the author of the self-empowerment book,
COWRIE BLESSING BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM.
Her music CD, "Water Woman: Organic Flow," is receiving worldwide airplay on Internet and public radio stations.
Imakhu's is producer/host of community/Internet TV show, ASHE!, celebrating African diasporic culture and personal
self-empowerment.
Imakhu's outreach multimedia work has now become AKERU Global Network & MultiMedia, reaching people worldwide
through Internet web casting, radio, recording, and print. Imakhu serves as president and chief executor.
Photo by Benjamin Montgomery
Cover photo of a laughing Imakhu
(then known as Eyele Yetunde),
as it appeared on
NEW VISIONS MAGAZINE,
June 2000
Photo by Bill Rosebrock
(then known as Eyele Yetunde),
as it appeared on
NEW VISIONS MAGAZINE,
June 2000
Photo by Bill Rosebrock
Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Photo by Danielle Jackson
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Order Imakhu’s cultural
music & storytelling CD and
mp3 downloads HERE.
music & storytelling CD and
mp3 downloads HERE.
CONTACT:
Akeru Cultural Communications
646-713-8650
acc@akeruradio.com
Empowerment through Education
"Committed to Excellence in the Arts "
Akeru Cultural Communications
646-713-8650
acc@akeruradio.com
Empowerment through Education
"Committed to Excellence in the Arts "
Photo by Imari
Imakhu telling
story while
presenting the
Nguzo Saba at
N.J.State
House's
historic first
Kwanzaa
celebration,
2003.
Governor Jim
McGreevey
seated far left.
story while
presenting the
Nguzo Saba at
N.J.State
House's
historic first
Kwanzaa
celebration,
2003.
Governor Jim
McGreevey
seated far left.
Imakhu stage side after
performing at Cape
May Stage, receiving a
blessing from
legendary storyteller
Lois Miller.
"It takes a lot for me to
be entertained. I was
THOROUGHLY
entertained.
You are WONDERFUL,"
Ms. Miller said.
performing at Cape
May Stage, receiving a
blessing from
legendary storyteller
Lois Miller.
"It takes a lot for me to
be entertained. I was
THOROUGHLY
entertained.
You are WONDERFUL,"
Ms. Miller said.
