High Rise – Kaira Akita as “Jolynn Littlefield”

Kaira Akita

Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Germany, Kaira landed her first major film role in the 2006 Sundance favorite Somebodies for which she earned a “Thumbs Up” Award from film critic Roger Ebert for her portrayal of the character “Diva.” Kaira reprised this role in the Somebodies television series for BET, which has received critical acclaim for its unique brand of smart, edgy humor.

A stand-out talent, Kaira gained the attention of powerhouse filmmaker Tyler Perry in a small but memorable role bringing the “Baby Mama Drama” as “Keisha” in Why Did I Get Married? and earned subsequent roles with Mr. Perry on House of Payne and The Family That Preys. Other screen credits include HBO’s Little Britain USA, One Missed Call, and 3:16: Stories of Hope. No stranger to the stage, Kaira has also delivered powerful dramatic performances in A Raisin in the Sun, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf, Before It Hits Home, Blues for An Alabama Sky, and Vagina Monologues.

When not performing, Kaira enjoys satisfying her creative and entrepreneurial spirit through teaching, producing, writing, and indulging in her love for fashion with her Atlanta-based business, A Clothes Encounter.

Kaira currently resides in Atlanta and is represented by The People Store.