Victoria Victoria Djembe Academy

Victoria Boateng is an award-winning African drummer, educator, autism self-advocate, and the founder of Victoria Djembe Academy, an organization dedicated to making West African drumming accessible to people of all abilities. Diagnosed with autism at the age of three and nonverbal until age seven, Victoria discovered her voice through rhythm. Today, she uses the djembe as a powerful tool for self-expression, cultural education, and community inclusion.

A graduate of Western Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in communication and a minor in Theatre, Victoria continued her studies in West African drumming under master drummers Bolokada Conde, Michael Taylor, and Tosha Ayo Alston. She is a principal performer with **Ayodele Drum and Dance**, an all-female African drum and dance company, and teaches throughout the Chicago area as a teaching artist, inspiring audiences through performance and education.

Through Victoria Djembe Academy, Victoria leads inclusive drumming workshops for schools, community organizations, and people with disabilities, creating welcoming spaces where participants build confidence, communication, and connection through music. Her work has been recognized with the prestigious 2025 3Arts Award for Teaching Arts, celebrating her leadership as an artist and advocate for accessibility and cultural preservation.

Victoria's mission is to empower individuals of every ability, inspire women in African drumming, and demonstrate that rhythm has the power to heal, unite, and transform lives.

Available Areas: North, West, Central, East, South, Chicago Metro

Core Audiences: General

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