
THE KR8TIVE REBEL
Alana Yaa Ifanike (DaCosta)
Interdisciplinary Artist and Founder, Alana uses many mediums as an artist-activist, vocalist, musician, poet, and visual artist. Musically, Alana’s distinctive sound also extends beyond boundaries as she blends neo-soul with jazz, reggae, world music and a drop of funk. A graduate of the Dillard School of Performing Arts, she excelled in voice and instrumental training. Also a previous member of the Howard University Vocal Jazz ensemble, Alana has performed throughout the United States, Europe, West Africa, and the Caribbean. She has shared the stage with international icons such as Freddie Jackson, Beres Hammond, Roberta Flack, Babyface, Angelique Kidjo, Erykah Badu, Common, and Anthony Hamilton. Alana, also has an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, B.S. in Psychology and understands the healing power of the arts.
Professional Experience
August 2009 - Present
June 2017 - Present
Independent Teaching Artist and Creative Arts Coordinator
Develop and implement Creative Arts activities, workshops and events that focus on building confidence and a sense of purpose in youth and families of the African diaspora within the United States, Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Europe making a global impact through expressive arts.
Founder, CEO/ Healing Arts DIrector
Develop and implement therapeutic creative arts sessions that engage the participants in a creative process of art making and expression to improve and enhance their physical, mental and emotional well-being. The creative process helps participants to build conflict resolution skills, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-awareness, self-esteem and insight.
November 2021 - Present
New Alkebulan STEM Education Center
African-centered instruction of Polymathic Studies: Psychology, Brain Anatomy, Critical Thinking and Creative Mindfulness activities.