BIOGRAPHY

Widely known as the host of the popular podcast The Bigger Picture and editor-in-chief of Urban Magazine, Dakari Eli is an outspoken voice in the African American community and an advocate for multicultural feminism. Deeply spiritual, she achieved Reiki Level 2 under Reiki Master Jody Cleveland while also pursuing independent studies in astrology. She also uses her public platforms to champion numerous causes, including gender equality, wildlife and environmental conservation, children’s rights, and religious freedom.

As executive producer and host of The Bigger Picture, Eli provides commentary on a wide range of subjects, including news, politics, music and social issues with specially invited guests, experts, and celebrities. The podcast is now available on SoundCloud, Spotify, iHeart Radio and Apple Podcasts, but there are plans to expand to Tidal in 2023. Her impact on the overall content and readership of Urban Magazine was immediate when she curated the publication’s first women’s issue, rocketing through the ranks from contributor to editor-in-chief. As host and editor, she has interviewed many of the biggest names in entertainment including cast members of Starz’ Power Universe, Nick Cannon, Omar Epps, Kevin Ross, Young Lyric, Raheem DeVaughn, Snowfall and P-Valley’s Gail Bean, DJ Drewski of Hot 97, director/producer Malcolm D. Lee and many more.

“Dakari Eli ranks highly among the best writers I know. The spiritual and cultural integrity she brought to Urban has set us apart from other publications and elevates the culture as a whole.”—BE’N ORIGINAL.

During 2022, she self-published the first volume of her Mixed Bag series; I Guess It Wasn’t Love, a critically acclaimed poetry/photo book in both print and audiobook. The literary debut is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kindle, and on Audible.

“It’s a memoir of love, lust, pain, angst, and introverted living that is best narrated through poetry and photography. It communicates the human need of being loved and accepted, and that the only way to find true love is to look inward. The hope for this book is to provide cathartic wings to those that need it and encourage the strength to fly. By unburdening the soul, we can finally obtain what we desire. Freedom.”

Her music including her seminal project, Black Dove Blue Song, received rave reviews and support from several leading platforms, including Right On! Magazine, Respect Magazine, Hip Hop Since 1987, Validated Magazine, Femi Magazine, This Entertainment, Bold Journey, and more. Her sophomore EP Cuffin’ Season was released in January 2023 and has been well received by esteemed tastemakers and enthusiasts alike, with additional coverage on SYL Media, Boston’s 104.9 FM, Midwest Mixtapes, Hype Magazine, and more.

Since releasing Cuffin’ Season, Dakari Eli has released a reimagined version of “Make Me Feel” from her debut EP Black Dove Blue Song, “I Guess It Wasn’t Love,” and her uplifting single, “Just For Today” via her independent label Black Dove Studios.

“Just for Today,” is an inspirational song that is inspired by the state of the world today. Wishing to inspire hope and self-reflection, Dakari Eli stresses the importance of taking a moment to appreciate the good things in our lives. “With all the madness occurring simultaneously in the world, I felt my spirit wavering under the pressure of it all… So, I turned to my therapy…,” Dakari Eli explains. “Music and writing are what keep me from losing my mind and help me gain perspective, so I created a holiday-inspired song that sonically illustrates my emotions at this time. My hope is to create a sense of peace to all of whom listen to it.”

Dakari Eli recently announced her forthcoming third project, Organic Fruit, with its first single “Sticky Sweet” which was released on July 19th.

“‘Sticky Sweet’ is an introduction of not only the album Organic Fruit but also a gateway into my sacral chakra energy. Serving as an entryway to the sound garden of channeled erotic power from Source, I fused tonalities that have apricot hues that resound deeply from my recollection of experiences. My vision is to inspire lovemaking that is a sticky, sweet blend of lovers’ kisses and sweat.”

“Sticky Sweet” is now streaming on all major platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal.

MIXED BAG VOLUME 1: I GUESS IT WASN’T LOVE