Draft:A Kay A
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Ariel Kayla Blackwood Born: July 6, 1996 Born in: Tampa, Florida, U.S. Other Names: A Kay A Occupation: Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Writer, Dancer, Model Years Active: 2021–present Genres: R&B, Pop, Dancehall Labels: Moody Girl Music
Early Life and Education
Ariel Kayla Blackwood, known professionally as Ariel Kayla in acting and A Kay A in music, was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. Growing up in Valrico, she discovered her love for performing early on, participating in various singing and dancing talent shows around her community.
She found her voice as a singer in her Black Baptist church and later honed her skills in predominantly white school choirs. Ariel's love for song and dance eventually led her to pursue theater. She first performed the role of the Wicked Witch in a seventh-grade production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Her dynamic stage presence continued to shine in high school productions, where she portrayed Brooke Wyndam in Legally Blonde and The Witch in Into the Woods.
Ariel moved to New York City to attend NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned a BFA as a Drama Honors Student in the musical theater studio, The New Studio on Broadway. She also studied in the Physical Acting Program and the Experimental Theater Wing. During her time at NYU, she performed in In the Heights, LaLa in the Colored Museum, Hairspray (as Lil Inez/Dynamite), and participated in the development of new works.
Career/ Early Career
While at NYU, Ariel was cast in the high-profile NYU Reality Show, which performed at Madison Square Garden and The Barclays Center. This experience sparked her interest in combining music, comedy, and introspective messaging to foster community conversations.
Ariel later joined the renowned dance company The Dance Cartel, and continued to work on projects that merged dance with theatrical storytelling. Her talents led her to collaborate with prestigious organizations such as Ars Nova, The Public Theater, The National Black Theater, Virgin Voyages, NYU, and Disney.
Musical Career
A Kay A (Ariel Kayla’s music persona) rose to prominence with her dynamic blend of R&B, pop, and dancehall music. She debuted in the music scene with the release of her EP Introducing Me, featuring the popular track “Beg 4 Me,” which also included a music video. Her musical direction often emphasizes storytelling, exploring both personal and communal themes.
A Kay A starred as the leading lady in the Off-Broadway R&B musical Love in a Different Key, and also headlined at MajorStage’s Sound of Brazil. She choreographed the New York and Shanghai versions of the NYU Reality Show and performed at Michigan's Fern Fest in August 2023.
In 2023, Ariel Kayla debuted in the role of Sister Anna Bertha in the all-Black, femme-driven production of pray by nicHi Douglas, staged at Ars Nova and The National Black Theater. The production earned critical acclaim, including a New York Times Critics’ Pick, six Lucille Lortel nominations, and three wins, including Best Director, Best Ensemble, and Most Outstanding Musical.
Recent Work
In 2024, A Kay A released her second EP Re/Aligning Me, which received praise for tracks like "Tik Tik Tik (Freestyle)" and "Timeline." She also opened for rapper 50 Cent at Club Nebula in New York City.
Ariel has since announced a collaboration with producer James Spalding on a deep house record titled "i can't keep up with you," which is set for release on December 18, 2024.
Influence and Style
Ariel Kayla Blackwood is known for her powerhouse stage presence and ability to blend various forms of performance art, including acting, singing, songwriting, and dancing. Her musical style is a fusion of R&B, pop, and dancehall, often driven by introspective lyrics and bold, empowering messages. As an artist, she is passionate about using her work to spark conversation and inspire change within communities.
Personal Life
Ariel is an active advocate for creative expression and empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups. Her work across theater, music, and dance often reflects her personal commitment to storytelling and social consciousness.