A true “Afropolitan,” Derrick N. Ashong (known as DNA) grew up in Ghana, NY & the Middle East. Described by VanityFair.com as "a spirit of promise and hope and harmony" the music of his band Soulfège has been featured in such major media as MTV Africa, NPR, the Boston Globe & MNet Africa and he has lectured on five continents on issues of youth culture & technology, including talks for the UN Foundation, London School of Economics, King's College (Cambridge) & UK Parliament.

The Harvard educated talent is the television host of “The Stream” on Al Jazeera English – a program that integrates new & traditional media, tapping into the extraordinary potential of social media to both source & disseminate news. He also hosted "The Derrick Ashong Experience" on SIRIUS XM's Oprah Radio.

DNA is a member of the internationally recognized Americas Business Council (*abc) Fellowship & has been a TED Global Fellow & a participant in the Arts & Entertainment task force of the U.S.-Islamic World Forum. As a college student he was cast in Stephen Spielberg’s 1997 film, Amistad. He is the founder of Take Back the Mic, a youth-centered cultural movement that leverages the power of artistry & technology to empower young people.

(Photo by Mauricio Vélez)