Akili Jamal Haynes aka Chibuzo Dunun is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who creates original works that bring together African and indigenous musical cultures and their rhythmic sensibilities. He is the founder and director of World of Chibuzo, a production company that connects his music to audiences through immersive, multimedia events, theater, film, and dance. Chibuzo Dunun and World of Chibuzo performed in Carnegie Hall for the December 2024 concert entitled “In Celebration of the Work of the 79th United Nations General Assembly and President H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang: A Concert For Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability." In October 2024, he performed as a guest percussion soloist with virtuoso guitarist Zaira Meneses and the Boston Pops Orchestra at Symphony Hall, conducted by Keith Lockhart.

Akili is a Dance Accompanist at Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music, Harvard University Dance Center, and Bates Dance Festival. He was the Director of Woodwinds & Brass at New England Conservatory and served as the Chair of the Percussion & Popular Music Department at the Community Music Center of Boston. He performed for Prometheus Dance and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and has participated in numerous recordings as a trombonist, composer, trumpeter, keyboardist, vocalist, tenor saxophonist, alto saxophonist, bass clarinetist, and acoustic bassist.