Insight
Akira Oniwinde: From Leeds to Glastonbury
#SAEStories
When Akira Oniwinde talks about live sound, she does not start with festivals.
She starts with learning how everything connects.
“I’ve always wanted to work in the creative industry. And once I started I just couldn’t stop! Sound engineering led into lighting, lighting led into stage management, and then into promotion. Everything overlaps.”
Now working as a CST and Facilities Supervisor at SAE Leeds, Akira balances campus life with an active career in live events. Since entering the industry in 2021, she has worked across venues including The Wardrobe, Eiger Studios, Vinyl Whistle, Stylus and Domino Club.
Her work has also taken her far beyond Leeds.
In 2024, she worked as an Audio Assistant for RAYE’s production team at BBC Big Weekend. In 2025, she stepped onto one of the UK’s most iconic festival sites as an Audio Engineer at West Holts Stage, Glastonbury
The leap sounds dramatic. She sees it differently.
“You build it piece by piece, breaking it down into small manageable steps. Local, independent venues are what make you.”
From student to industry professional
Akira studied Music Technology before completing a Master’s in Psychology
That combination of technical knowledge and behavioural insight shapes how she approaches both live events and her work with students.
“You can have all the technical skills in the world, but if you can’t communicate clearly under pressure, it’s going to fall apart.”
Live sound is not just about equipment. It is about people. Artists, promoters, venue teams and crews all rely on clear communication and calm decision-making.
That perspective now feeds directly into how she supports students at SAE Leeds.
Supporting students behind the scenes
As a CST and Facilities Supervisor, Akira works closely with students in studios, live setups and technical spaces across campus. She helps troubleshoot sessions, guide signal flow, support live event builds and ensure students are confident using professional equipment.
“I want students to feel comfortable experimenting. This is where you build upon what you love. You may discover an unknown passion.”
Her own experience working in grassroots venues means she understands the early stages of the journey. She knows what it feels like to start small, to take on multiple roles, to build confidence one show at a time.
“Developing your skills in a space you’re comfortable in is key! Then when you reach greater heights, you’re ready.”
More than one role
Akira’s career has never been limited to a single title. Alongside live and studio sound engineering, she has worked as a lighting operator, stage manager, venue representative and events promoter
“The more you understand every part of production, the more opportunities will become available to you.”
That is the mindset she encourages at SAE.
Understanding lighting helps with stage layout. Understanding production logistics helps with live troubleshooting. Understanding psychology helps when working under pressure.
Everything connects.
Feeding the industry back in
Alongside festival work, Akira supports emerging artists through MONOMYTH, a Leeds-based nursery label and collective where she works as a label assistant
“Nurturing local artists and helping the next generation develop their skills is very important to me.”
Whether on a festival stage or inside a campus studio, the goal is the same. Build confidence. Build experience. Keep learning.
“There’s no shortcut to gaining experience. You keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep progressing.”
Visit SAE Leeds
If Akira’s journey into live sound and event production has sparked your interest, the best way to understand life at SAE is to experience it for yourself.
Visit SAE Leeds to explore the studios, meet the team and see how hands-on learning, industry insight and real technical experience can help you start your own path into audio and live events.
