Akira has been surrounded by music his whole life, with early recollections of listening to Stevie Wonder as a child in the car. Akira learnt piano in Primary School but eventually gravitated towards the drum kit as a young teen. During this period, Akira also discovered his love for making music in Garageband and utilised his childhood midi keyboard to make beats inspired by the likes of Nujabes and J Dilla. 

 

Since 2021, Akira has performed in several live acts, playing a key role in forming and shaping the sound of PAPRIKA, an Alternative City Pop band. He has also contributed to several soundtracks for films including Late Night With The Devil - directed by his father Colin Cairnes, and Filo-Boy - directed by long-time collaborator Caleb Ribates. The Beats [2020 - 2022] is where Akira Menai, (never give up), originates from and is Akira's debut solo release.

 

2025 was a momentous year for Akira with his band PAPRIKA releasing several singles which led to an EP at the end of the year. Akira produced several of the tracks, including MOVIN ON and SYNTHESIZER LUV. 

 

Akira is currently collaborating with a diverse range of artists on various projects. He is also working on new music of his own with plans to release his sophomore album at the end of 2026.