Kristen Arant
African Drum | Academy
Musician, activist and teaching artist whose mission is to facilitate skilled artistry and self-expression, and to build camaraderie and community towards the goal of creating social change among a diverse student body. Originally an oboe player majoring in music and inspired to drum via her activist pursuits, Kristen has studied West African drumming, song and percussion for 20 years to utilize these art forms as her primary tools in furthering her mission. Kristen is the founder of the non-profit Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project, and of the West African drumming ensemble Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, and leader of the Akoma @ All Souls drumming group out of All Souls church in Washington DC. In addition, Kristen has been to Ghana, West Africa 5 times in partnership with drummer and drum builder Michael Owusu, leading cultural and musical immersion tours, engaging with communities where Kweku’s project “Drumming Up From Poverty” is located.