Akili Ni Mali is a Chicago-based professional actor and recording artist whose sound blends R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Jazmine Sullivan, Erykah Badu, Rachelle Ferrell, Sade, and India Arie, Akili’s music is rooted in rich vocal expression and emotive storytelling. She released her debut EP Breathe in 2020, followed by singles Good Life (2020), Right (2021), Sold (2022), Lana Del Rey (2023), 9–5 (2024), the Changes EP (2024), and most recently Ick and S’éloigner (2025).

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A California native, Akili began her professional performance journey in TV and film at just 12 years old before relocating to Indianapolis, where she transitioned into live theatre. She developed her craft with The Asante Art Institute (formerly Asante Children’s Theatre) and went on to work professionally with renowned institutions including Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Indiana Repertory Theatre, and Indianapolis Shakespeare Theatre, in addition to performing as a singer/dancer aboard Norwegian Cruise Line productions.​ Akili earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Ball State University in 2019. Post-graduation, she headlined a jazz tour in Costa Rica with the Ball State Jazz I Ensemble and has performed at notable venues such as Dizzy’s Jazz Club, The Jazz Kitchen, The Cabaret Indy, and The Chatterbox.

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Beyond the stage, Akili is a devoted mother to her four-year-old son, Leo, and wife to Luke Tormoehlen. Motherhood and marriage have profoundly shaped her artistic purpose, deepening her sense of intention and “why” as a creator. Akili’s work continues to gain recognition, including being named one of four featured artists for Art & Soul 2025 by the Indy Arts Council. Now based in Chicago, she is actively seeking to connect and collaborate within the city’s vibrant artistic community.