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 for 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 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, This Entertainment, and more. Her sophomore EP Cuffin’ Season was released in January 2023, has been well received by esteemed tastemakers and enthusiasts alike, with additional coverage on SYL Media, Boston’s 104.9 FM, Midwest Mixtapes and Hype Magazine. Dakari Eli has recently released a new single, “Make Me Feel (Lo-Fi)”. Listen HERE via her independent label Black Dove Studios.
With updated lyrics and a more soulful vocal arrangement, this reimagined version of the song originally found on her debut release is a must-listen. Due to a technical issue, Level removed the project from streaming platforms. Rather than abandon the EP, Eli decided to take the time and recreate most of the project, but this time on her own.
As with her preceding EP, Cuffin’ Season, Dakari Eli wrote, arranged, produced, and recorded the entire project with her home recording studio, with a licensed instrumental.
“”Make Me Feel” has been reimagined and is an example of what it feels like to be actively falling in love. By adding layers and nuances, I was able to bring the picture into full color,” the singer/songwriter shares. “Technically and artistically, it’s an elaboration of the original concept. Like a symphony has its primary melodic approach in the first movement, and every other movement thereafter further expounding on the idea, I felt it best to bring the song into full bloom and enhance the hue of its sound in its entirety. Much like the soul evolving in response to receiving love, “Make me Feel” is a progression into the experience of loving.”