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Zakee Kuduro is a multilingual, award-winning Creative Producer, Director, painter, and sculptor whose diverse body of work spans various mediums, exploring themes of identity, culture, and the human condition. Over the past 18 years, Zakee has cultivated a multidisciplinary career, crafting evocative images and audio textures that reflect his deep artistic curiosity and experiences across North and South America. He holds degrees in Mathematics and Computer Engineering from Howard University, a background that complements his artistic approach with a technical rigor and precision.

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Zakee’s creative journey began with an unconventional foundation. As a child, he worked as an embalmer and makeup artist at his uncle’s funeral home in West Philadelphia. This early exposure to the delicate interplay between life and death profoundly shaped his artistic perspective, infusing his work with a reverence for human beauty and mortality. His exploration of these themes is evident across his paintings, sculptures, and films, each piece reflecting his nuanced understanding of the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.

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Beyond the visual arts, Zakee has also had an impactful career in music and film. His debut self-produced album, Assimilations, executive produced by Benjamin Bronfman, garnered critical acclaim and was recognized by MTV Iggy as one of the “Top 20 Debut Albums of the Year.” As a filmmaker, he earned two Gold Lovie Awards for his documentary Brazil’s Gangs Fighting COVID-19, highlighting his skillful storytelling and ability to capture complex social narratives. His work has been featured by major outlets like BBC, National Geographic, and CNN, further establishing his reputation as a compelling voice across multiple artistic disciplines.

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A pivotal moment in Zakee’s artistic evolution occurred when he modeled for renowned painter Amy Sherald. This experience inspired him to pursue his own path as a visual artist, with a focus on themes of Black identity, cultural narratives, and representation. Through his paintings, sculptures, and films, Zakee continues to challenge and reframe traditional narratives, pushing the boundaries of how Black identity and experience are portrayed in contemporary art.

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Currently, Zakee lives and works in South America with his family, where his practice continues to evolve, integrating his broad array of skills and interests. Each piece he creates—whether in paint, film, or sculpture—serves as an invitation for viewers to engage deeply with his unique perspective, fostering dialogue around identity, spirituality, and our shared human experience.