Olawale Akanbi Lawal-Jackson, better known as Wale Currency, grew up with music in his bones and Maryland stitched into his story. Born in Baltimore City, raised in the county, and shaped further in Prince George’s County, he learned early that sound could be a lifeline. For him it wasn’t just a hobby. It was survival, identity, and later, a mission.
Wale is a singer, multi instrumentalist, producer, arranger, and composer, but the title that captures him best is storyteller. His first doorway into the industry opened when he was ten, beating rhythms as a young percussionist. Before that he had already found comfort in the church choir, where melodies gave him space to turn pain into something that held light.
His upbringing wasn’t easy. Turbulence at home and pressure in his personal life shaped the way he moves through the world. Instead of letting adversity cage him, he used it as fuel. That mindset sits at the center of every song he creates. His work pushes listeners to stay determined and to hold their confidence no matter what tries to shake it. He sees himself not just as an entertainer but as a messenger. Everything he releases carries truth, awareness, and purpose.
Awards have never been his motivation. Recognition is fine, but it’s not what drives him. His focus is growth, both as an artist and as a man. What he values most is the impact he has on people. If he can inspire someone to believe in themselves or face their obstacles with more strength, that counts more than any trophy.
His journey hasn’t been smooth. Before becoming a recording artist, he faced setbacks that could have pushed him off track entirely. He stayed grounded by anchoring himself in faith: faith in God, faith in his ancestors, and faith in the voice inside him that refuses to be quiet. Music became his weapon. Through it he speaks on social issues, shares his values, and stands up against anything that harms his community.
Looking ahead, Wale sees himself rising as one of the most influential and outspoken figures in music. Whether that happens in two years or five, he trusts the path laid ahead for him. His mission is larger than entertainment. He wants to be a spokesperson for the people who can’t speak for themselves. He carries the weight of the unheard, the misunderstood, and the forgotten, and he plans to keep amplifying their stories.
Right now his focus is on introducing himself to a wider audience and building awareness around his direction. His upcoming album, in progress since 2020 and expected to be fully complete by 2026, reflects years of emotion, intention, and spiritual depth. He promises that every track holds a piece of his soul. He believes the project has the potential to stand among the most recognized world albums, not because of hype, but because of the energy behind it. He isn’t making songs just to be played. He is making something people can feel.
Wale Currency is stepping forward with clarity: he wants to leave a mark that goes beyond charts and accolades. He wants to shift minds, raise voices, and remind people of their own power. His story is still unfolding, but the purpose driving it is already unmistakable.