Andy Akangah

About the Artist

Andy Akangah is a self-taught illustrator and creative director based in Ottawa and Toronto, originally from Benin, West Africa. He is the founder and CEO of AKARTS Comics, a hip-hop inspired art brand that merges the visual languages of comic books, anime, and streetwear, exploring themes of identity, nostalgia, and Black cultural expression through bold, character-driven compositions. 

Akangah’s practice spans digital illustration, apparel design, comic-driven storytelling, and large-scale installations. He often draws on rap iconography and pop culture to challenge how hip-hop can be archived, remixed, and reimagined. His work has garnered attention from global institutions and brands with clients like the NBA, Microsoft, Complex, Polaris Music Prize, and the Government of Canada, and has been recognized by celebrities such as Timothée Chalamet and The Weeknd. 

Akangah’s work has been featured on national television (CBC, CTV) and public platforms like the National Arts Centre’s Kipnes Lantern. He is passionate about championing digital art in physical spaces, fostering creative communities and teaching the next generation of comic and character artists.