African Soul International

Specialties

West African Dance and Drum Classes for Beginners to Advanced Students. We love Beginners!

History

Established in 1998.

African Soul International was founded in 1998, in Cleveland, Ohio, by artists who wanted to make a difference in the community through the arts. We have performed for over 100,000 youth and families and are excited to share over 25 years of knowledge with the Los Angeles community.

The drums are made to bring the village together, the dance is a vibrant workout that stretches your physical, emotional and mental boundaries… the dance floor is our place of healing and refuge… Everyone is welcomed!

Meet the Business Owner

Adama Jewel J.

Business Owner

Adama Jewel holds a Master’s in Education and in Non-​Profit Management and Leadership. She is dedicated to the preservation of the traditional arts through classes, workshops and presentations.

She began studying West African Dance in 1990 under Baba Raymond Sylla of Ballets National du Senegal. It was through him that she met and began studying from Assane Konte of The Kankouran West African Dance Company of Washington, DC and Marie Basse-​Wiles of Maimouna Keita of NYC, as well as other members of Ballets National du Senegal, such as Tacko Sissokho.

She began training under Kemoko Sano of Ballets Africains and Ballets Merveilles and has served as an apprentice under Mouminatou Camara and Marietou Camara. She has also studied extensively with Youssouf Koumbassa, Kaikpai Paasewe of Liberia and Dr. Chuck Davis. She is a member of the Mandinka Music Society of the Gambia, and has been recognized as a Master Artist by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council.