Dedicated to performing, teaching and celebrating drum and dance of the African diaspora.
In Susu (one of the national languages of the West African country Guinea) “Lannaya” means confidence, and it’s what we strive to instill through our work! We are committed to sharing the vibrant cultural traditions of West African drum and dance through performances and education. We are more than performers—we’re storytellers, educators, and culture bearers. Our experienced artists bring decades of honed expertise and authentic training with master teachers from Guinea, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire to every performance, ensuring vibrant, high-caliber presentations rooted in tradition. Lannaya goes beyond entertainment to create meaningful cultural connections. Whether through live performances, educational workshops, or tailored programs for schools and communities, Lannaya blends artistry and storytelling to foster a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions of West African drum and dance. Here’s what makes us unique: Expertly Crafted Performances Lannaya delivers dynamic shows featuring skilled dancers adorned in vibrant costumes and accompanied by a live djembé orchestra. It’s more than a performance—it’s an unforgettable experience. Interactive & Immersive From call-and-response songs to live drumming and audience participation, every program is designed to engage and inspire. These performances create lasting memories while promoting cultural awareness and diversity. Cultural Enrichment for All Ages Whether it’s a school assembly or a corporate event, Lannaya tailors its presentations to captivate and educate audiences of all backgrounds and ages. Professional Excellence Performers are background-checked and credentialed, including The Episcopal Diocese of Texas’ Safeguarding God’s Children program, ensuring integrity and high-quality service. Experienced and recognized for what we do! Lannaya has offered programming to diverse audiences, including corporations, festivals, special events, and K-12 students in Austin ISD, Eanes ISD, Taylor ISD, Round Top-Carmine ISD, Schulenburg ISD, and Del Valle ISD. Lannaya fosters connection, team building, and cultural awareness through performances and education. Since 2008, we’ve performed statewide for Texans in their own communities, and our quality has been validated since 2008 by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division; since 2023 by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities; and since 2025 by the National Endowment for the Arts. *** Since 2008, we’ve performed statewide for Texans in their own communities, via selection in the highly competitive Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA)’s Touring Artist Roster. TCA’s Arts Respond Performance Support grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations in Texas interested in booking Lannaya and other artists from the TCA Touring Artist Roster. Schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations can apply for grants to hire artists like Lannaya (TCA grants could cover up to 50% of Lannaya’s total fee!). Support is based on TCA’s available funds. Contact us to learn more!Why Choose Lannaya?
Book us here! A selection of our arts partners are detailed in the next sections that follow. We’ve opened for international headliners like Grupo Fantasma (Grammy award winning 9 piece Latin-funk and cumbia powerhouse from Austin, TX). This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department. Community Partners
Selected Festivals:
![Waco Cultural Arts Fest & [254] Dance Fest](http://lannaya.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/11014947_10106716265387200_6942093694455470886_n-1-85x85.jpg)
