Toki Wright has been named assistant chair of Berklee’s Professional Music Department.
Toki is internationally recognized as an MC, producer, writer, radio host, arts diplomat, and community organizer.
The Minneapolis native becomes the second assistant chair in the department’s history when he takes up the post on July 15.
“I am honored to have a leadership role at such a prestigious institution. The faculty and students are some of the top creative minds in the world.” – Toki Wright.
“I look to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of my position. I’ve had a particular way of combining formal education with experiential learning, technology, goal-oriented projects, wellness, and community networking.”
Berklee’s professional music major provides students with the opportunity to blaze their own path, and synthesize a variety of skills, ranging from performing and songwriting to production and business.
Focusing on the entrepreneurial aspect of a professional music career, students work closely with an advisor to achieve individual goals through intensive curricular planning.
Toki Wright led the country’s first fully accredited Hip-Hop Studies program at McNally Smith College of Music.
The program was awarded “Best Transformative Higher Learning Model” by the Hip-Hop Education Center at NYU.
He regularly tours the world performing and teaching in Africa, Europe and China.
As an organizer, Wright led the youth non-profit organization Yo! The Movement, facilitating seven Twin Cities Celebration of Hip-Hop festivals and other community actions.
He also helped to establish Hip-Hop at H.E.A.L.S., teaching performance to former child soldiers in Gulu, Uganda, and promoting the careers of hip-hop artists in Croatia and Sierra Leone.
Toki has released albums through his imprint Soul Tools Entertainment and Rhymesayers Entertainment, charting top 50 on MTV, iTunes, and more.
He has performed at events like Coachella and Rock The Bells; toured with Evidence of Dilated Peoples, Brother Ali, Atmosphere, and the late Sean Price; and released recordings with Talib Kweli, BJ The Chicago Kid, Caroline Smith, P.O.S., G Yamazawa and others.
Under the moniker Mamadu, Wright has also worked behind the scenes producing music for various artists.
“We are thrilled to have Toki Wright join the Professional Music Department,” said Larry Simpson, senior vice president for academic affairs/provost. “His great work in Minneapolis shows dedication to arts education and artist empowerment that I believe will be a great benefit to the Berklee community. ”
