Since 2004, it has been the goal of the founder of KoumanKe’le’ African Drum & Dance Ensemble, to reconnect current and future generations to the history and traditions of the Diaspora, along with its transitions and current applications through dance, drum and culturally educated performances.

Christina Gerard

Artistic Director

Ms Gerard possesses over 20 years of professional performance experience.  She performed and studied under world renowned dancer, drummer, and Griot, Djeli Moussa Diabate, for over seven years. Other professional experiences include Artistic Director and principal dancer with Kuumba House Dance Theatre, under the direction of Lindi Yeni and Dimakatso “Mama D” Hampton; dancer with Djeli Kunda West African Dance & Drum Ensemble, under the direction of Moussa Diabate; and WonLande Dance and Drum Company, directed by Mohammed Diaby. Christina also served as Artistic Director of the Impilo Cultural Dance Troupe, where she created and choreographed a full production, The Seven Gifts of Kwanzaa.

Adiagha Mbonisi

 Dancer/Drummer

Adiagha has been involved in cultural arts since 1991 with performance, choreographer, production, costume design and instructor experience. She has performed and studied under world renowned dancer, drummer, and Griot Djeli Moussa Diabate, Youssouf Koumbassa, and Mamady Sano;  trained under Dimakatso “Mama D” Hampton; principal dancer of Djeli Kunda West African Dance & Drum Ensemble; WonLande Dance & Drum Company; Tutu South African Dance Troupe; African Bible Fellowship Dance & Drum Company; Motown Dancing in the Streets; Caribbean Dance & Drum Troupe; Kuumba House Dance Theatre; and KoumanKele ADDE.  Adiagha has traveled and performed around the U. S. and Africa as well as instructed youth and adults throughout Texas on the history, culture, and movement of West African dance. Adiagha has performed in local plays throughout Houston and Dallas, Texas as well.

Nandi Simpson

Youth Instructor Dancer / Drummer

 possesses over 10 years of professional performance experience and has performed and studied under world renowned dancer, drummer, and Griot, Djeli Moussa Diabate. Other professional experiences include principal dancer with the Kuumba Kids, Kuumba House Dance Theatre and KoumanKe'le' ADDE. Currently a Uaminifu Youth Ensemble Dance instructor, she continues to spend her summers instructing youth through various summer arts programs.

IonaMakota Ashe'

Youth Instructor Dancer/Drummer

 Iona made her professional debut at the age of 4 and has not stopped dancing. Currently the Uaminifu Youth Ensemble Dance Instructor, Iona adds an energetic spark to each and every presentation, class or performance.

Deanna Santiago

Dancer / Choreographer

From the Dominican Republic, Deanna has studied and performed Folkloric Brazilian, Axial and Caribbean dance, salsa, samba, mambo and bachata.  An accomplished designer and visual artist, Deanna’s artistic talents make her a welcomed addition to KoumanKe'le' ADDE.

 
 Alana Taylor

Youth Instructor  Dancer / Drummer

Alana Taylor began training with Paula Sloan at Houston School of Dance and Musical Theater (formerly Texas Tap Ensemble), a pre-professional youth company in Houston, Texas. She continued her studies of musical theater, tap and ballet through senior high school performing in notable places as Miller Outdoor Theater, alongside Houston Symphony Pops Orchestra and with Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Throughout her college dance career at Prairie View A&M University, she was a member of Classic Dance Ensemble under the direction of Danyale Wiliams (Taylor).  Company credits include biannual concerts held on the university’s campus and annual Black College Dance Conference membership. She is a founding member of the PVAMU chapter of Nu Delta Alpha dance fraternity.  Ensuring that she always attended the offered West African dance classes, she was re-introduced to the culture of African dance through the Black College Dance Exchange. Alana is new to the company but feels it is her calling, responsibility and most of all her joy to express through African dance.  This is Alana’s first season dancing with KoumanKe’le' African Dance and Drum Ensemble where she has found love and a family. She gives tremendous thanks to the Creator and a special thank you to Christina Gerard for being dedicated and passionate to the art, the culture, and the discipline of the dance.

Nana Dompreh

Dancer/Drummer

Bio coming soon!

  Xolani Ashe'

   Dancer/Drummer

Xolani is the youngest member of KoumanKe'le' ADDE.  After declaring  it was time to "pack her costume",  Xolani made her dance debut  at the Houston International Festival  at age 3.  While maintaining straight A's in 1st grade, Xolani continues to  dance with her sisters and mother in KoumanKe'le' ADDE.

Adam Carman

Drummer

Jerome Ondrel Harris

Drummer/Dancer Emeritus

 We love you J-Ro!

 Cameron Martin

Bio coming soon!



Azikiwe Anderson

Bio coming soon!

Adrian Johnson

Drummer

Adrian   made his professional debut  with KoumanKe'le' at the 2011 Houston International Festival.  As an accomplished  tenor  and bass drummer with the Worthing High School band,  Adrian continues to study traditional drumming with the ensemble. 

Alonzo Lee Moore IV  

Dancer

began his dance training in 2002 in Loyola University's Ballet Repertory Program. He has danced for the New Orleans Metropolitan Opera and New Orleans only professional ethnic dance ensemble, Komenka, touring Poland, Bulgaria, and France. Alonzo moved to Oregon in 2005 performing with Traduza Brazilian Dance Company as well as guesting with Lane Community College Dance under Bonnie Simoa, Rita Honka Dance and U of O student MFA Concert with Laura Hiszczynskyj. In 2007 he became a company member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, serving as resident Actor/Choreographer for four seasons. In 2009 Alonzo performed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Throne of Blood, directed by experimental theater master Ping Chong. Alonzo began work with Dancing People Company in 2007 as well, bringing modern dance to southern Oregon; touring throughout the northwest. Alonzo has joined DPC in residence at several southern Oregon high schools, Pacific Northwest College, Portland Oregon, Saint Olaf College, Northfield Minnesota, as well as the 2012 Open Look International Contemporary Dance Festival Saint Petersburg, Russia. After 10 years of being away from home, Alonzo returned to the Houston community where he has danced with Hope Stone Inc., Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars and Houston Grand Opera. Alonzo is happy to have been led to KoumanKe'le' and looks forward to continued adventures with KADDE.

Terrell Davenport

Dancer / Drummer

This native of Warrenton NC, quickly found a love for the performing arts at an early age. As he grew older his love for the performing arts beckoned him to audition for various plays and talent shows where he choreographed stage performances. Not limiting himself to singing and acting Mr. Davenport begin to explore his gift of dance. During that time he Join The Coalition of Youth Empowerment under the  Whole Village Dance Ensemble. It was at that moment, his passion to express various aspects of culture through performance and dance thrived. There he expanded is knowledge in the performing arts and excelled in other forms of dance that nurtured his gifts. In 2007 Mr. Davenport Graduated from Saint Augustine's College with a Bachelor's degree in Theatre and Film. Shortly after Mr. Davenport studied dance and culture abroad on the continent of Africa and in the Caribbean. After a few  short years of cultivating his passion for the performing arts, Mr. Davenport perused a degree in dance at North Carolina Agricultural and State University. While attending he was a company member with the Eleanor Gwynn Dancers and Wesley Williams Urban Dance Theatre. Mr. Davenport is now a proud member of KoumanKe'le' African Dance and Drum Ensemble.