Akene "The Champ" Dunkley
Akene Dunkley, otherwise known as “the Champ,” began his journey with music at the tender age of six. Living in the heart of New York, Champ’s parents enrolled him into classical piano training where he received several years of professional instruction. Through his teenage years, Champ excelled in music, and developed an innate ability to sight-read sheet music and play by ear. He would eventually go on to study Music Theory at Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he also graduated with honors in Electrical Engineering. He would later further his education by receiving a Masters in Education from Monmouth University.
My Story
Akene’s pseudonym “the Champ” derives from an extraordinary desire to overcome obstacles and remain triumphant in various aspects of his life. His years of preparation rehearsing music and recording in the studio positioned him for success in the entertainment industry, where he has been in the room with several A-list artists and has earned 3 Grammy nominations.
One of Champ’s most proud moments as a music producer began with the birth of the YKP Music
Development Course. This program has allowed Champ to share his knowledge and expertise with others. It has also created a vehicle for him to collaborate with other musical geniuses to provide piano/vocal/guitar lessons, music theory, and recording software tutorials to his clientele. His motto, “knowledge is power, music is life!” is a driving force behind his desire to provide music education to people with one thing in common - a love for music.