ANNA NYAKANA

My Purpose is to Save the Youth and I'm Just Getting Started!” - Anna Nyakana

Connecticut Magazine, February 2021

BIO

Anna Nyakana is an Award-Winning and 2X Bestselling Author, Speaker, Producer, Singer-Songwriter, and Business Owner of Niyah Zuri Books and Niyah Zuri Studios. Anna was born in Berlin, Germany in 1986 to a Ugandan father and German-Moldavian mother. Her family immigrated to the United States in the early 90’s, settling in Stamford, Connecticut. Beginning at age six, Anna pursued her musical passions and spent her teenage years honing her skills of songwriting and live performance until releasing her debut album in 2007 all while growing a revolutionary spirit through youth activism in her community. With a desire to be the change she wished to see in the world and manage an entrepreneurial career, she proceeded to attain her Bachelor’s degree in Business in 2011. Anna discovered there was an overwhelming need to empower the youth and chose to focus on literacy in order to give kids a true knowledge of self versus indoctrinated trauma. Out of this desire, the Niyah Zuri series was born and Anna took the next few years to write and publish her greatest literary work. "Niyah Zuri and The Pharaoh's Throne" hails as a time-bending exploration of Ancient Egypt lead by the fearless heroine Niyah Zuri and her best-friends Miguel and Hugo Gonzales. The adventure continues in the long-anticipated sequel "Niyah Zuri and The Mayan Eclipse," both chapter books equipped with a full glossary and free online resources for parents and teachers to access. 

Anna has been featured on many media outlets to spread the Niyah Zuri message of diversity, empowerment, including SiriusXM, Entercom Radio, FOX, FOX Soul, PopFuzion TV, NBC CT, ABC WTNH, FOX 61, Connecticut Magazine, Sheen Magazine, Medium, and KIVO Daily. During her interview on SiriusXM’s “The Karen Hunter Show,” Anna stressed her mission of decolonizing the curriculums stating, “It is critical children see a reflection of themselves in the books that they read. My mission is to inspire them, one adventure at a time.” Working directly with school administrators, she has implemented the Niyah Zuri series in over 200 school districts nationwide. Building upon the book series, Anna released “The World of Niyah Zuri” animated short film in September 2023. The short film is currently being pitched to networks for the expanded cartoon series, bringing the gap between school and home as well as redefining entertainment through education. The animation was accompanied by an Original Soundtrack  released October 13, 2023 - produced by the multi-faceted visionary.    

Anna Nyakana has received many honors including NABSE's 2021 "Living Legend Award," Connecticut Magazine's 2021 "40 Under 40" list and February cover,  2020 "100 Women of Color Award" and Valedictorian, and Official Citations from the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut and Connecticut House of Representatives for her relentless advocacy on behalf of students in her home state to bring diversity back to the classroom. Additionally, Anna  serves on the Board of Directors for the Born Rich Foundation, a Connecticut-based non-profit that addresses the socio-economy disparities in marginalized communities through education. The Niyah Zuri book series is available on www.annanyakana.com and all major bookstores/retailers. Anna Nyakana is based in Connecticut and New York, alternating between the two as she raises her children and grows her Niyah Zuri Movement for the youth!

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