Bavu Blakes is an educator, a servant–leader, and an award-winning musician. His studio collaborators include Grammy winners Adrian Quesada, Jon Deas, Brannen Temple, Symbolyc One, Gary Clark, Jr., and Illmind. As a practitioner, Mr. Blakes is a curriculum & instruction specialist.

Mr. Blakes has received several awards for his scholarly work.
• 2017 UT-Austin Martha C. Ovando Outstanding Student Leadership Award
• 2017 Decker Middle School Teacher of the Year,
• 2017 KLRU Graduate Champion
• 2016 E4 Youth Educator of the Year