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African Soul International
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- African Entertainment
- Travels nationwide
- $250 - $10,000
Overview
ASI has been enthralling audiences worldwide since 1998! Our professional ensemble shares the amazing culture and history of Africa through dance, drum, storytelling, stilt walking and song. We are the only bi-coastal W. African Dance Company throughout the US.
We've performed for Grammy winning artist Youssou Ndour throughout West Africa, stars such as Debbie Allen, Martin Lawrence and Patti LaBelle as well as many universities and schools.
African Soul International is a premiere company, led by professional artists with a lineage of Master Artists and over 50 years of combined experience. Our organization caters to your specific needs and promises a memorable addition to your event!
8 Reviews
I can't tell you how wonderful it was to have Dr. Jewel Jackson come to our event. She was absolutely delightful! Students and parents alike were "mesmerized by her storytelling. One parent emailed me the next night telling me, "My third grader was on the edge of his seat every moment. It was incredible. My husband was so excited to go home and look up more information about her and her company. It was truly an amazing experience." I can't wait until we can have her and her company back for another assembly!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!- Meghan Hanlon, Colfax Charter Elementary School
Storyteller
Response from African Soul International:
Awwww how sweet!!! I definitely had an amazing time with it your school and your students!!! I look forward to returning with the entire ensemble❤️❤️❤️
African Soul International was absolutely awesome :) Super professionaly, courteous, on time, kind, easy to work with, and every other positive word to describe a great group! Thanks for everything!
Dance Troupe
Response from African Soul International:
Oh thank you so much!!!! We had an amazing time with your students, faculty and superintendent! Feel free to book us for any event in the future, including our drum circles.
They were very professional, friendly and patient. Everyone enjoyed The performances and we will definitely work with the team again soon.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS GROUP
Children’s Party Entertainment, Choreographer, Dance Troupe, Drum / Percussion Show, Educational Entertainment, Musical Theatre, Spoken Word Artist, Stilt Walker, Storyteller, Variety Entertainer, African Entertainment
Response from African Soul International:
Thank you! We had an amazing time at your event!
African Soul International were truly amazing!!! Their performance was engaging and our scholars and their families enjoyed it.
African Entertainment
Response from African Soul International:
Oh!!! Thank you so much!!! The hard work and commitment that you have to exposing youth to culture and the world is truly commendable!
We look forward to serving you in the future!
ASI brought a wonderful experience to my Aunt's memorial service! They came early, brang energy, were very professional and a great job!!! Thank you so much Dr. Jewel and ASI
African Entertainment
Response from African Soul International:
The service was beautiful and so touching! I know your aunt was proud…thank you for inviting us☺️
the performer was supposed to be about 15 minutes. while they were there for 15 they performed about 5 and then when not much participation, that was it.
Dance Troupe, Drum / Percussion Show, African Entertainment
Response from African Soul International:
Thank you for your review!!!
I’m so sorry that you weren’t pleased with our work. We’ve performed for your event before but this year our lead drummer was ill. We sent you 3 performers instead of the 2 that you paid for.
Unfortunately, because the performance area was burning their feet, they could only do one number. They did spend the additional time doing audience participation as you had requested.
Again, I’m sorry you were not pleased with our services this time, but again please prepare a covered area for the artists so that they don’t have to battle the elements and can perform for more time.
Thank you
Outstanding job. We had 3 drummers at our event and they were a HUGE hit. Not only did they do an incredible job playing their drums, but also go our event attendees involved. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Drum / Percussion Show
Response from African Soul International:
Thank you for the great review!!! We had an amazing time at your event!! Everybody was so fun!!!!
Looking forward to the next one!!!
The entertainment was wonderful
Brought a twist to the event
Engaging with the guest
Very respectable
African Entertainment
Response from African Soul International:
Thank you Mrs. Cynthia! We had an amazing time with you and your family!
Booking Info
Price Range: $250 - $10,000
Gig Length: 5 - 150 minutes
Languages: English, French, Spanish, Other
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Liability and/or Waiver of subrogation
What to Expect
The amazing, pulsating rhythms of the drums- the vibrant, colorful syncopation of the dance- the harmonious melodies of the songs of Africa...this is what you can expect to see, feel and experience with African Soul International.
We feature: An Amazing Youth Ensemble, Up to 12 drummers, Our All-Women's Drum Core, up to 30 Dancers, Stitlwalkers, Fire Eaters Kora Players, Balafone Players, Singers, Storytellers and more!
Our passion for the arts is only matched by our focus on great customer service. We show up early and on time, guaranteeing all the experiences that were agreed upon and often surpassing all expectations.
About
Our Founder: Dr. Adama Jewel Jackson is one of only 2 African-Americans that have been granted admission into the Mandinka Music Society of The Gambia. She has studied with Ballets National Du Senegal, Ballets Africains, Ballets Merveilles, Ballet Joli and more from Senegal, Guinea, Liberia and the Ivory Coast. She has been named as a Master Artist by the National Endowment of the Arts and has received several Congressional Awards for her work in the arts, advocacy and Africa.
Adama Jewel, has been studying and performing West African Dance for over 22 years and maintains a tone of excellence through the arts that has brought her to expand the work of ASI from the East Coast to the West. She has traveled internationally 5 times, working with Master Artists from throughout West Africa.
From setting the opening for the "Lion King" at the Palace Theater in 2006 to performing at the Museum of Tolerance and the Claremont Colleges in the Los Angeles area, Adama Jewel Jackson has led a team of over 50 Master, Professional and Semi-professional artists in West African Dance, Music and Culture, creating unforgettable and exhilarating displays of colors, choreography and creativity.
Our Musical Director: Solo Soro is a native of the Ivory Coast. He has lived in the Los Angeles area for over 12 years, performing throughout Hollywood, the local school districts and professional venues and tours. His AMAZING musical talent has been seen for various television and live shows throughout California.
Let your special occasion be the one of a kind, memorable event that you've always dreamed of, African Soul can bring the fire, energy and joy of Africa, right where you are.
Our presentations can also feature audience participation, offering your guests the opportunity to get up and participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to release all their tensions and stress and jam to the African Drums.
We offer a myriad of variations to our programs, contact us so that we can develop a specialized program just for you and your event!
Additional Booking Notes
We have a full technical rider in accordance to the capabilities of the respective venue. Our riders are written for a Union House, but can be varied contingent upon the venue's specs. Please contact us with your layout and we will forward the respective tech rider, as well as hospitality.
Past Booked Events
September 28, 2024 • 12:30pm - 1:00pm | Cultural Event |
May 10, 2024 • 6:30pm - 6:45pm | Fundraiser |
April 26, 2024 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm | Festival |
March 01, 2024 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Fundraiser |
November 18, 2023 • 6:30pm - 6:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
September 13, 2023 • 9:00pm - 9:15pm | Fundraiser |
July 30, 2023 • 3:30pm - 4:00pm | Personal Occasion |
June 17, 2023 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | Fundraiser |
January 27, 2023 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Corporate Event |
October 16, 2022 • 5:30pm - 6:15pm | Baby Shower |
October 15, 2022 • 8:30pm - 8:45pm | Birthday Party |
July 16, 2022 • 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Reunion |
May 30, 2022 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Surprise |
March 03, 2022 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | School Assembly |
December 11, 2021 • 9:30pm - 10:30pm | Fundraiser |
May 25, 2021 • 6:30pm - 7:15pm | Nonprofit Event |
February 28, 2020 • 12:00pm - 12:15pm | School Assembly |
February 28, 2020 • 9:00am - 9:30am | Cultural Event |
February 26, 2020 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Cultural Event |
September 22, 2019 • 8:30pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Reception |
June 21, 2019 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Reception |
November 18, 2018 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Fundraiser |
April 14, 2018 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Fundraiser |
July 08, 2017 • 8:00pm - 8:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
September 15, 2016 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Nonprofit Event |
August 25, 2013 | Other |
April 13, 2013 | Festival |
Set List
Varies upon request
Influences & Inspiration
Ballets National du Senegal
Ballets Africains
Ballet Djoliba
The Mandinka Music Society
Dr. Chuck Davis and the African-American Dance Theater
The Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago.
The Kankouran West African Dance Company of Washington, DC.
The Maimouna Keita Company of NYC.
Alvin Ailey of NYC.
Setup Requirements
Varies upon venue and event