KWAKU O. PAYTON

Founder

Kwaku O. Payton

Kwaku O. Payton was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. The oldest of his household siblings, Kwaku grew up in a traditional Akan household. As an integral part of his traditional Ghanaian cultural and religious practices, drumming and dancing quickly became a daily practice for him. Heavily influenced by the Dinizulu African Dance and Drummers and Singers, as well as the teachings of Kamati Dinizulu, he worked tirelessly to master the art of drumming. Later, he would study the Guinean technique and form of the djembe including sound, posture, and stamina. Over the span of his career he has displayed his talent and shared his skill in countless performances including Dance Afrika, university performances at Rutgers, Hofstra, LIU, Harvard, and York College, Off Broadway Shows, and has been featured on a percussion cd. He continues to believe that art changes the world one person at a time and tirelessly works to use drum culture to build unity, equality, and shared experience across diverse bodies of people. Through partnerships, workshops, and performances it is always his goal to express his personal creativity and music while sharing his knowledge of different cultures of the world through art and education.

CPR Certification

Kwaku O. Payton Resume

EDUCATION

Dinizulu Center for African Culture and Research
Jamaica Queens, New York
August 1987 – May 1996

Enhanced writing, comprehension, and listening skills.
Improved communication skills through cultural immersion.
Volunteered and taught at a school established for students who could not afford tuition.

QUALIFICATION

Department of Education Vendor
September 2017 – Present

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT EXPERIENCE

Community Board Member
Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York
September 2009 – June 2019

Acted as a liaison between community members and councilmen and women.
Assisted in the decision-making process.
Organized and participated in social events for the community.

Campaign and Political Consultant for Street Operations and Canvassing
City Council Office, Brooklyn, New York
September 1998 – Present

Worked directly with councilmen and women during campaigns.
Assembled community leaders and members to mediate problems.
Organized, promoted, and supported social events for the council office.

DRUMMING EXPERIENCE

Young Audiences SALA Summer Program
Teaching Artist/Musician, Baltimore, MD
May 2021 – Present

Assisted with arts infusion during literacy and math lessons.
Collaborated with classroom teachers to plan and deliver lessons and program expectations.
Communicated and partnered with parents to ensure safety and student success.
Planned and produced at least one culminating performance.

Alvin Ailey Arts and Education
Teaching Artist/Musician, New York, New York
September 2017 – Present

Professionally taught and performed the art of African dance and drumming.
Rehearsed all choreography.
Participated in company performances and community events.

Pure Elements
African Drummer and Teaching Artist, Brooklyn, New York
June 2017 – Present

Professionally performed the art of African dance and drumming.
Rehearsed all choreography.
Participated in company performances and social events.

Devore’s Dance School
African Drum Musician, Hollis, New York
May 2005 – Present

Acted as the active drummer for all African dance classes and concerts.
Provided students with an environment conducive to academic study and social development.

Assase Yaa Dance Theatre
African Drum Teaching Artist and Musician, Brooklyn, New York
September 2017 – Present

Professionally performed the art of African dance and drumming.
Rehearsed all choreography.
Participated in company performances and social events.

F.L. Templeton Preparatory Academy
Teaching Artist, Baltimore, Maryland
November 2014 – June 2015

Acted as the active Djembe drum instructor for varied ages.
Provided students with an environment conducive to academic study and social development.
Worked in partnership with instructors and drummers to prepare and perform drum performances.

Family Dynamics SCO
Drum Specialist, Brooklyn, New York
April 2008 – August 2012

Supervised and managed students during class instruction.
Planned and executed daily lesson plans and activities about drumming and dancing.
Worked in collaboration with other instructors on large projects and performances.

M. Vaugh Dance School
African Drummer, Brooklyn, New York
July 2005 – July 2007

Acted as the regular drummer for all African dance classes.
Participated and assisted dance teachers with choreography and performances.
Followed directives and assisted in maintaining order in the classroom and during performances.

Dinizulu African Drummers, Dancers, and Singers
African Drummer and Dancer, Jamaica, New York
February 1995 – November 2005

Rehearsed and performed the company’s choreography.
Professionally taught the company’s choreography.
Established positive relationships with other group dancers, singers, and drummers.

MEMBERSHIPS

Member of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Community Board, Parks and Art Committee (2009-2019)

REFERENCES

Available upon request.

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