Morayo (Mo) Akande

​Morayo Akande, aka "Mo", is a PhD candidate at Johns Hopkins University studying Population, Family and Reproductive Health. While she is not formally trained, her natural gift for melody and an authentic emotional connection to her music brings a fresh and unrefined edge to every performance. Hailing from a rural farming community in Southern Illinois, Mo showcased her love and talent for music by singing in her church congregation, which had a regular attendance of about ten parishioners, and in school choirs and musicals.

Mo attended Brown University in Providence, RI where she obtained a bachelor's and master's degree in public health, specializing in biostatistics. She moved to Baltimore in 2021 to pursue a doctorate. Her research focuses on adolescents (particularly males), building healthy relationships and strengthing avenues of support in attempts to prevent the use of violence against an intimate partner. While working on her degree, Mo sings with Grace & St. Peter's Episcopal Church choir under the direction of Jordan Prescott. 

Mo is ecstatic for this opportunity to perform with such an incredible group of talented musicians. She thanks you for being here and hopes you enjoy the concert!