Chief Wakil a.k.a Mansa Makili

July 9, 2021 Hannah Osborne

I’m Chief Wakil. You can call me either or for short. I’m a rapper, producer, songwriter, actor, etc...I’m from Kansas City, Mo, but I reside in LA. On top of that, I’m part owner of WiNK Village.

Q: How do you feel about winning an Emmy?

I feel very proud of that. I hope to be able to get a Grammy one day, but either way, the work will continue. I’m definitely honored to be a part of an Emmy Winning Ensemble Cast. That’s something I never would have imagined growing up.

Q: How do you balance your personal life with your career?

I try my best honestly. My personal life is something I value. The game is so fickle and will eat you alive if you let it. I just have faith that things will keep falling into place. That’s not the most popular answer, but that’s me.

Q: What do you like to be involved with most, acting or music?

Hmmm...that’s tough. I LOVE being on set and acting. But that’s still a new thing for me. I’d have to say I enjoy the production side (with my vocals of course)...I think my voice and sound is something that needs to be heard.

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Q: How did you get introduced into the industry?

I got my first bit of work through Craigslist. I linked up with some people and it kind of snowballed from there.

What would you say one of your best projects would be?

I would say Empire. It’s what got me my first Grammy nod and I apparently did a job Timbaland couldn’t quite do. And I did it all by myself within a few hours due to it being crunch time. I already had a chip so, I took on the challenge of doing something one of my idols couldn’t quite get right.

Q: What is one goal you have set for yourself?

Starting my own company.

Q: What would you say is one of your strengths and weaknesses?

This is another great question. I’d say my strength is versatility. I can execute just about any genre. I have an amazing ear. I’d say my weakness is, little time to hone ALL of these skills. It’s a gift and a curse. I get stretched pretty thin.