ABOUT ME
Sri Kala is a music artist and creative guide, blending influences from his Brooklyn upbringing and Caribbean heritage. His journey from skateboarding to spiritual awakening as a Hare Krishna monk shapes his diverse sound. Through his music and workshops, he inspires personal growth and authentic self-expression, with his "Unravel" album embodying this mission.
My Story
My name is Sri Kala. I'm a father, a husband, a music artist, and a guide in creative freedom. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I had the privilege of experiencing the rich tapestry of races and cultures that make up this vibrant city. As a first-generation Caribbean American with roots in Nigeria and Cameroon, my heritage has deeply influenced my journey and my mission.
From a young age, I resisted following the crowd, feeling out of place in traditional school settings. Instead, I found my true community in skateboarding. Skateboarding provided me with acceptance, recognition, and a way to channel my emotions. This passion led to the creation of the All City Skate Jam, which later evolved into the internationally celebrated Go Skate Day.
My skateboarding journey exposed me to both the highs and lows of urban life, including the darker side of the scene involving drugs and other vices. It was during this tumultuous period that I had an epiphany, realizing the temporary nature of the material world. This revelation, partly brought on by an LSD experience, ignited my quest for deeper meaning and spirituality.
In 2002, I immersed myself in various spiritual practices, including meditation, Reiki, Qigong, lucid dreaming, and astral travel. My spiritual journey eventually led me to the Hare Krishna movement, where I spent six transformative years as a monk. During this time, I studied ancient Sanskrit prayers and deepened my understanding of sound vibration and its healing properties.
Music has always been a significant part of my life. From writing poetry in elementary school to creating music influenced by my diverse experiences, I have continually evolved as an artist. My sound now blends elements of hip hop, dub reggae, rock, R&B, and Afrobeat, reflecting my journey through different cultural landscapes.
As I reconnect with my African heritage, I am inspired by the spiritual traditions of the Yoruba people, finding profound similarities with the Bhakti and Vedic philosophies I studied. This connection has enriched my music, which now serves as a vehicle for healing and self-expression, honoring my ancestors and their silenced voices.
My mission is to use music to inspire and uplift, to create spaces for others to explore their inner chaos and find their true selves. I aim to support the youth in marginalized communities, sharing the wisdom and experiences I have gained to help them realize their potential and break free from limitations.
My latest project, the "Unravel" album, embodies this mission. It features vocal tones and sounds that transcend traditional song structures, tapping into ancient rhythms and my authentic voice. This album marks the beginning of a new chapter in my creative journey, one that emphasizes vulnerability, organic sound, and the power of vocal expression.
One of my greatest passions is guiding others in their creative expression and helping them break free from limitations. Whether one-on-one or in groups, my work supports individuals in unraveling and experiencing their next evolution. Through my 21-year journey of understanding energy and healing, the power of sound vibration, and the transformative potential of movement, I offer a holistic approach to personal growth.
My wife, Jesse, and I have led groups to India, exploring the depths of Bhakti on its home soil. We have also led many in-person and online events, exploring the intersection of creativity, money, and spirituality. I am also a co-founder of "Actualize Music," where we lead retreats where participants reconnect with life stories to create anthems that inspire and heal. These workshops and retreats empower individuals to harness their creative potential and use it to fuel their projects and programs.
The essence of my work, whether through music or guiding others, is to help people truly be themselves and live authentically. This journey of unraveling and creative freedom is at the heart of everything I do, allowing me to continue my own creative process while supporting others in theirs.
Join me on this journey of reclamation and healing. Through my music and guidance, I strive to connect with people on a deep, soulful level, offering a space for transformation and the celebration of our shared humanity.