History of West African Drumming on Today's Culture
Kojo Ayinde Johnson
Musician - Teacher - Author
Mr. Johnson will share his love of West African drumming and talk about how West African drumming has influenced American Culture. His historical lecture will connect the Drum tradition and the Black Greek Letter Fraternities & Sororities STEPPING & the African Boot dance tradition.
West African Drum Demonstration
Mr. Kojo Ayinde Johnson will demonstrate the art of West African drumming. His presentation will weave the history of African drumming in the United States with audience participation.
"The Lesson - Abu's Curiosity"
"The Lesson - Abu's Curiosity" will be available for sale at the SJM Juneteenth Celebration on June 17th at Shady Rest Country Club. Mr. Johnson will be signing books at the event. The book can also be purchased on Amazon.
"The Lesson - Abu's Curiosity"
Mr. Kojo Ayinde Johnson just published a children’s book of March 2023. "The Lesson - Abu's Curiosity" is about a curious 10yr old with a rich family legacy. Abu is a young boy living in Brooklyn who discovers the traditional West African drum called Djembe. Through his Uncle's lessons and practice, Abu learns to play the Djembe and discovers important life lessons about patience, consistency, and courage. As Abu embarks on his journey, he discovers the joyful power of music and the importance of patience and much much more in mastering any skill.
Meet kojo ayinde Johnson
Mr. Kojo Ayinde Johnson, a Brooklyn native and mastermind behind The HAND ARTS & EDUTAINMENT, is an accomplished musician and teacher who has recently added "published author" to his list of achievements. His new children's book, "The Lesson: Abu's Curiosity," is now available on Amazon. Kojo's passion for music began at an early age, with the piano and two turntables accompanied by a mixer being his instruments of choice at six and nine years old, respectively. As a child of the 70s, he witnessed the dawn of HIP-HOP and became a progeny of the movement, adopting the five essential elements of the genre - Knowledge, B-Boy/Break Dancing, Graffiti Art, M.C.'ing, and DJ'ing.
Kojo's love for DJ'ing carried over into his high school and college years, where he ventured into beat-making, arranging, producing, and remixing during the 80s and 90s. He eventually discovered the Djembe, which became a new love for him. Kojo's foundation in the professional performing arts began in 1992 when he became an apprentice musician and drummer with The Forces Of Nature Dance Theater Company. After years of dedication and hard work, Kojo was eventually appointed as the assistant musical director for the company, performing nationally and internationally for four years on signature productions such as "Terrestrial Wombs," "Rhythm Legacy," "Amazin," and "Cult of the Wolves."
As a true student of history, culture, and music, Kojo is considered lucky to be the adopted son of the Grand Master of Djembe, Mamady Keita after being introduced to him by his good friend & instructor, Mahiri Fadjimba Keita. Kojo's expertise has been sought after by numerous schools, companies, and arts organizations throughout New York City, including the Bronx Preparatory Charter School, Harlem School of the Arts, and Achievement FIRST ENY Elementary Charter School. He has also collaborated with arts organizations such as Community Works, PURELEMENTS An Evolution in Dance, Inc., and The Artist Collective of Hartford, Conn.