Asake Bomani is an American author, former jazz singer, and cultural advocate who is widely respected for her creativity and independence, and although she is often mentioned as the ex-wife of actor and activist Danny Glover, her own achievements stand firmly on their own; she gained recognition for her book Paris Connections: African American & Caribbean Artists in Paris, which won the American Book Award, and her life story reflects resilience, cultural pride, and a commitment to authenticity, making her a figure admired not only for her connection to the arts but also for the dignified and private way she has chosen to live.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Asake Bomani |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Wilmington, Delaware, United States |
| Age | 79 years (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | San Francisco State University (B.A. English, 1963) |
| Profession | Author, Former Jazz Singer, Cultural Advocate |
| Notable Work | Paris Connections: African American & Caribbean Artists in Paris (1993) |
| Award | American Book Award (1993) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Formerly married to Danny Glover, 1975–2000) |
| Children | 1 (Mandisa Glover, born 1976) |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $1 Million |
Early Life and Background
Asake Bomani was born on July 1, 1945, in Wilmington, Delaware, United States, where she spent her childhood in a community that valued education, resilience, and cultural pride, and growing up during the Civil Rights era had a deep impact on her sense of identity and purpose, giving her both strength and awareness of the importance of heritage; after finishing her early studies at George Washington High School, she moved to San Francisco State University, where she majored in English and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1963, and it was during this time that she not only developed her lifelong love for literature but also explored her talents as a jazz singer and became involved in cultural and social discussions that would shape the rest of her life.
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How Old is Asake Bomani?
Asake Bomani was born on July 1, 1945, in Wilmington, Delaware, which makes her 79 years old as of 2024. Growing up in mid-20th-century America, she experienced the changes of the Civil Rights era, which helped shape her outlook on culture and identity. Even in her later years, she is admired for her creativity, independence, and the legacy she has built through music, writing, and cultural advocacy.
What Does Asake Bomani Look Like?
Asake Bomani is described as a graceful woman who stands at about 5 feet 3 inches tall and is known for carrying herself with dignity and elegance. She often embraces her African heritage through her clothing, wearing traditional African outfits with bold colors and striking patterns that reflect pride in her roots. Her personal style highlights not only her love for culture but also her belief in expressing identity through fashion, making her presence both elegant and culturally meaningful.
Jazz Singing Career
In her college years, Bomani began to explore her love for music and found her voice in jazz, a genre that spoke to her sense of culture and personal expression. She performed with deep emotion, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and her ability to bring feeling into every performance. For Bomani, jazz was not only entertainment but a way of expressing identity and history, carrying forward traditions of African American creativity that had always been tied to resilience and storytelling. While she did not pursue a lifelong career as a professional singer, this period of her life was vital in shaping her understanding of the arts, giving her the confidence to use her creativity in other ways and laying the groundwork for the literary work she would later become known for.
Meeting with Danny Glover
During her time at San Francisco State University, Bomani met Danny Glover, who was also a student deeply involved in activism and the arts. Their shared values of social justice, creativity, and the power of storytelling brought them together, and they quickly developed a strong bond that went beyond romance into a partnership built on shared ideals. The couple married in 1975, beginning a union that lasted twenty-five years. While Glover went on to build his acting career, starring in films that made him a household name, Bomani was his constant support system, offering him encouragement and stability during his early struggles in Hollywood. Behind every public figure, there are often unseen supporters, and in Glover’s case, Bomani was that steady presence during his rise to fame.
Who Is Danny Glover?
Danny Glover is a well-known American actor, producer, and activist, born on July 22, 1946, in San Francisco, California. He is best recognized for his powerful performances in films such as the Lethal Weapon series, The Color Purple, and Angels in the Outfield. Beyond his success in Hollywood, Glover is also deeply respected for his work as a political and social activist, often using his platform to speak out on issues like human rights, racial equality, and economic justice. Over the years, he has supported many global causes and worked with organizations dedicated to social change. While he gained worldwide fame as an actor, his commitment to justice and community has made him a figure admired not only in entertainment but also in activism.
Literary Career and Achievements
While many recognized her as Glover’s partner, Bomani began to carve out her own identity in the 1990s as a writer. In 1993, she published Paris Connections: African American & Caribbean Artists in Paris, a book that explored the experiences of Black artists who found inspiration and freedom in Paris. The book examined how the city became a place of refuge for those who faced racism and limitations at home, and it captured the spirit of creativity that flourished among African American and Caribbean writers, musicians, and visual artists in Paris.
Bomani’s work was praised for its insight and depth, and it earned her the prestigious American Book Award. This recognition placed her firmly in the literary world as a writer dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and preserving cultural history, and it showed that her influence extended well beyond the role of being someone’s spouse.
Other Professional Work
Apart from her writing, Asake Bomani also explored other creative opportunities that showcased her versatility and cultural insight, one of the most notable being her appearance in the 1999 BBC travel series Great Railway Journeys, where she shared her perspective with a global audience and connected history, culture, and storytelling in a way that resonated with viewers; this experience, along with her background in music and literature, highlighted her ability to move across different fields of art and communication, proving that she was not limited to one medium but instead a multi-talented woman with a wide-reaching voice.
Divorce and Family Life
In 2000, after twenty-five years of marriage, Bomani and Danny Glover divorced, closing a chapter in both of their lives. However, their parting was handled with respect, and they continued to remain connected through their shared love for their daughter, Mandisa. The couple avoided public disputes and instead focused on co-parenting, showing a level of maturity and respect that kept their family ties strong even after their separation.
Motherhood and Legacy Through Mandisa
One of the most important parts of Bomani’s life has been her role as a mother. Her daughter, Mandisa Glover, was born in 1976 and has followed her own creative journey. Mandisa worked in various roles within the film industry and later found her passion in culinary arts, creating her business AlileAixe, where she shares her food creations. Her independence, creativity, and dedication to her craft clearly reflect her mother’s influence. The values of resilience, cultural pride, and authenticity that Bomani lived by were naturally passed down to her daughter, ensuring that her legacy continues through the next generation.
Privacy and Personal Integrity
Unlike many people connected to Hollywood, Bomani has always valued her privacy and integrity. After her divorce, she chose to step away from the spotlight entirely, maintaining no social media presence and avoiding the public stage. In today’s digital world, where many measure success by visibility, Bomani stands out for choosing a different path. Her decision to live privately shows her commitment to authenticity and self-respect, qualities that have guided her life. By avoiding unnecessary attention, she has ensured that she is remembered for her work and values rather than tabloid headlines or public appearances.
Cultural Pride and Style
Bomani’s love for culture is not only expressed through her art but also through her personal style. She is known for wearing traditional African clothing, often choosing bold colors and striking patterns that celebrate her heritage. This fashion choice is more than just a personal preference; it is a reflection of cultural pride and an acknowledgment of her roots. For her, clothing is a statement of identity, a way to honor the history of African and African American culture, and a quiet yet powerful expression of who she is.
Net Worth and Public Image
Asake Bomani’s exact financial details have never been made public, but her net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, a figure that reflects her accomplishments as an award-winning author and her earlier work as a jazz singer. While she has lived a comfortable life, her focus has never been on wealth or fame but rather on creativity, authenticity, and cultural pride. In terms of her public image, Bomani is admired for being a woman of quiet strength who deliberately chose to step away from the spotlight after her divorce from Danny Glover.
She has no social media presence and rarely appears in public, preferring instead to let her book, her artistry, and her influence on her daughter speak for her. This decision has shaped her image as a dignified and private figure who values integrity and authenticity over celebrity attention.
Clearing Misconceptions
Many people confuse Asake Bomani with the Nigerian Afrobeats singer known as Asake, but they are two completely different individuals; Bomani, born in 1945 in Wilmington, Delaware, is an American author, cultural advocate, and former jazz singer, best recognized for her book Paris Connections: African American & Caribbean Artists in Paris, while the Nigerian artist Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, was born in 1995 and is known worldwide for his hit Afrobeats songs, so it is important to make this distinction to avoid mixing up their identities and to give Bomani the proper recognition she deserves for her own unique achievements.
Legacy and Impact
Looking at the full picture of her life, Asake Bomani’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and authenticity. She has lived a life dedicated to expressing culture through music, writing, and personal expression, while also choosing to protect her privacy and independence. Her book remains a valuable contribution to the understanding of Black artists in Paris; her early career as a jazz singer revealed her love for music, and her role as a mother ensured that her values and spirit continued through her daughter. Her life teaches that true success is not only measured by fame or wealth but by the impact one leaves on culture, family, and community.
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Conclusion
Asake Bomani may not be a household name like her former husband, Danny Glover, but her life and achievements stand firmly on their own. She has shown the world that authenticity, creativity, and cultural pride are the building blocks of a meaningful legacy. Through her music, her award-winning book, her influence on her daughter, and her personal integrity, Bomani has lived a life that inspires those who learn about her. By embracing her talents and staying true to her values, she has left behind a story that deserves recognition, not just as someone once married to a famous actor, but as a woman who used her gifts to highlight culture, preserve history, and live with quiet dignity.
FAQs About Asake Bomani
1. Who is Asake Bomani?
Asake Bomani is an American author, former jazz singer, and cultural advocate. She is best known for her book Paris Connections: African American & Caribbean Artists in Paris, which earned her the American Book Award.
2. When and where was Asake Bomani born?
Asake Bomani was born on July 1, 1945, in Wilmington, Delaware, United States.
3. Was Asake Bomani married to Danny Glover?
Yes, Asake Bomani was married to actor and activist Danny Glover from 1975 until 2000, and they share one daughter together.
4. Does Asake Bomani have children?
Yes, Asake Bomani has one daughter named Mandisa Glover, born in 1976. Mandisa has worked in the film industry and also runs her own culinary business.
5. What book did Asake Bomani write?
She wrote Paris Connections: African American & Caribbean Artists in Paris in 1993, which highlighted the experiences of Black artists in Paris and won the American Book Award.
6. What is Asake Bomani’s net worth?
Asake Bomani’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, mainly from her work as an author and her professional contributions.
7. Is Asake Bomani the same as the Nigerian singer Asake?
No, they are two different people. Asake Bomani is an American author born in 1945, while Asake (Ahmed Ololade) is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer born in 1995.
