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Mama Fasi/Linda Thomas Jones
Artist Educator Musician Performer Musical Therapist
Linda Thomas Jones is considered one of the founding mothers of female African drumming in the United States. She began her career in drumming at the age of 18 as a dance major at Case Western Reserve University. She studied African drumming both in Ghana and In the U.S.
She is committed to helping students explore their artistic abilities as well as providing them with the necessary tools to assist them in becoming better human beings. Her and services products reflect and support that ideal.
Our mission is to create an environment of universal love. We believe this can be achieved through the arts. The African Culture and in particular the drum, is our main tool for achieving that goal .
My acquaintance with Mama Fasi is as an employer, mentor and friend. I have known her since the early 80’s when she served as the Director of Cultural Arts for my youth and family services organization.
She is a most gifted performing artist and master teacher.
Mama Fasi is a great teaching artist because of her focus on the whole child—she doesn’t just teach how to make music with African drums, she teaches self-respect, generosity, kindness, and compassion. Through her demeanor and communication, she exemplifies the lessons she tries to teach.
When you attend a workshop/class with Mama Fasi, everbody plays! No one sits on the sidelines. Her mantra ever since I have known her has been love, respect and reciprocity—the mantra has guided her success in working with all the seasons of life--children through elders. One of her most successful programs is Girls and Grandmas. once a week intergenerational class includes four-yearold girls through ninety-five year old great-great-great grandmothers.
I have purchased various musical instruments and teaching products from Mama Fasi and have always been pleased with her service and the quality of her many useful teaching tools.
Considered one of the founding mothers of female African drumming in the United States, Linda Thomas Jones has carved a space for herself in the male-dominated professional African drumming world.
Her story is truly inspirational. She faced and triumphed over the obstacles created by her teachers and peers who told her women did not play drums in Africa. She established herself as a Conga and Djembe percussionist for African dance classes and performances. Quote by Monoham S. Divorsky K. Abovitz M:50 Great Drummers.
In 1980, Mama Fasi co-created the Imani African-American Dance Company with Marjorie Witt Johnson and Mamie Johnson in Cleveland Ohio. The Company taught African, modern, improvisational and children’s creative movement classes in the local community.
she is a Community Arts Educator skilled in designing and producing community performances using African culture as an educational tool.
Her kind and nurturing disposition combined with her strength and enthusiasm creates an atmosphere conducive for her students to reach their full creative potential.
The price of her work shops are between $350 - $2000
She can tailor her workshops to meet your needs including :
Schools, Team Building, Family Gatherings, Festivals