Sekou Andrews
Sekou Andrews | |
|---|---|
Andrews performing in 2019 | |
| Born | November 13, 1972 Berkeley, California, U.S.[1] |
| Alma mater | Pitzer College |
| Occupations | Spoken word poet, actor, voice performer, public speaker |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Website | sekouandrews |
Sekou Andrews (born November 13, 1972) is an American spoken word poet, actor, and public speaker. He is known for developing “poetic voice,” a blend of spoken word poetry and keynote-style presentation used in corporate, arts, and conference settings.[2]
In 2019, Andrews released the album Sekou Andrews & The String Theory. It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards.[3]
Early life and education
Andrews was born in Berkeley, California.[4] He attended Pitzer College in Claremont, California, where he studied sociology and graduated in 1994.[5]
Career
Spoken word poetry
Andrews began performing spoken word poetry in Los Angeles in the late 1990s and became active in regional slam competitions. He later earned national visibility through appearances on HBO’s Def Poetry and BET’s spoken word series Lyric Café.[6]
Corporate and keynote speaking
Andrews expanded into corporate speaking in the 2000s, presenting spoken-word-based keynotes at conferences, leadership summits, and arts events. Forbes described his performance style as “a blend of artistry and practical inspiration.”[7]
Collaboration with Steve Connell
Andrews partnered with poet and actor Steve Connell in the 2000s on theatrical spoken word productions. Their stage work included The Word Begins, which premiered in Washington, D.C., and earned multiple nominations at the Helen Hayes Awards.[8]
Sekou Andrews & The String Theory
In 2019, Andrews collaborated with The String Theory, an international orchestral collective. The album combined orchestral music with spoken word poetry.[9]
One track from the project, “Love Says,” received media coverage during the 2020 racial justice protests. ABC News highlighted the poem’s reflection on repeated instances of police brutality.[10]
Acting and voice work
Andrews has appeared in independent films and documentaries and has provided narration and voice-over work. His screen credits include:[11]
- Def Poetry (2002–2005)
- Lyric Café (2002–2003)
- The Sound of Us (2021)
- Rhymecology: Write Better Rhymes (2021)
Discography
- Seven: A Kwanzaa Soundtrack (1999)
- Poetic License (2008)
- Sekou Andrews & The String Theory (2019)[12]
Awards and recognition
- Grammy nomination – Best Spoken Word Album (2020)[13]
- Multiple Helen Hayes Award nominations for The Word Begins[14]
References
- ^ Barton, Chris (January 23, 2020). "Michelle Obama vs. Beastie Boys for Grammys' spoken word album". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ Snow, Shane (March 26, 2020). "Leaders Need to Deliver Inspiration Now More Than Ever". Forbes. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ "Best Spoken Word Album Nominees". The Recording Academy. November 2019. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ Barton, Chris (January 23, 2020). "Michelle Obama vs. Beastie Boys for Grammys' spoken word album". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ "Pitzer College Alumni – Notable Alumni". Pitzer College. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ "Sekou Andrews – IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ Snow, Shane (March 26, 2020). "Leaders Need to Deliver Inspiration Now More Than Ever". Forbes. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ "The Word Begins Returns to D.C." The Washington Post. January 6, 2005. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ Jones, Chuck. "The String Theory Receives Grammy Nomination". Wise Music Creative. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ Zaru, Deena (July 2, 2020). "As 'I Can't Breathe' Haunts America, Sekou Andrews' Poem Reflects Cycle of Injustice". ABC News. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ "Sekou Andrews – IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ Jones, Chuck. "The String Theory Receives Grammy Nomination". Wise Music Creative. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ "Best Spoken Word Album Nominees". The Recording Academy. November 2019. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ "The Word Begins Returns to D.C." The Washington Post. January 6, 2005. Retrieved November 29, 2025.