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AIFS Youth Drumming Academy · Omaha, NebraskaBring Africa to your event!

Experience the energy of the AIFS Youth Drumming Academy through drumming, dance, storytelling, cultural education, and interactive experiences.

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Rhythm. Culture. Leadership. Future.

AIFS Youth Drumming Academy dancers leap and a vocalist sings while youth drummers play behind them on a stage under a Welcome banner of world flags
Dance, song, and drums on stage
View from the stage as Academy youth dance and drum for a large outdoor crowd at the Harvest Moon Festival
Harvest Moon Festival, Asian Community & Cultural Center
Academy youth and two instructors in matching kente-print outfits gathered behind djembe and conga-style drums on a lawn
Academy youth and instructors with their drums
The Academy at a glance

Music is where we begin.

Youth development is at the heart of what we do. The Academy experience brings together six connected program areas.

Academy youth and two instructors in matching kente-print outfits gathered behind djembe and conga-style drums on a lawn
About the Academy

More than a performance group.

The AIFS Youth Drumming Academy is a cultural arts and youth development program of African Immigrant Family Services (AIFS) in Omaha, Nebraska.

Through hands-on instruction and public performances, participants build confidence, strengthen cultural identity, develop artistic and leadership skills, and share African cultural traditions with diverse audiences.

Learn our story
What we do

Our activities

From the festival stage to the classroom, every activity is built around youth, rhythm, and cultural learning.

  • AIFS Youth Drumming Academy dancers leap and a vocalist sings while youth drummers play behind them on a stage under a Welcome banner of world flagsDrumming & Dancing

    Performances

    Dynamic cultural performances for festivals, schools, universities, conferences, nonprofits, businesses, community celebrations, and special events.

    Learn more about Performances
  • An Academy leader guides a call-and-response movement at the microphone as dancers follow along and youth drummers play behind themInteractive Drumming

    Workshops

    Hands-on drumming where participants learn rhythms, play instruments, and make music together as a community.

    Learn more about Workshops
  • An Academy performer speaks into a microphone beside fellow performers in beaded necklaces and woven wraps, with drummers seated behind themCultural Education

    Storytelling

    Age-appropriate storytelling and cultural presentations that educate, inspire, and open the door to cross-cultural learning.

    Learn more about Storytelling
  • Five smiling Academy girls in matching kente-print outfits at an outdoor multicultural festivalSchools & Communities

    Cultural Engagement

    Programs for schools, universities, community organizations, senior-living communities, festivals, conferences, and other community settings.

    Learn more about Cultural Engagement

Make your event more beautiful with African drumming vibes!

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Performances

Bring the rhythm to your next event

We bring energy, culture, rhythm, and inspiration to every stage.

Perfect for

  • Schools & universities
  • Festivals & parades
  • Conferences & corporate events
  • Cultural celebrations
  • Nonprofits & faith communities
  • Youth programs
  • Senior-living communities
  • Community events

All ages. All cultures. One rhythm.

Book the Academy See performance options

Pictured: Harvest Moon Festival, Asian Community & Cultural Center.

Interactive workshops

Don't just watch — join the rhythm.

Workshops turn audiences into participants. Each session is adapted to the age group, setting, and goals of your event.

  • Learn basic rhythms
  • Play drums and percussion
  • Explore rhythm and movement
  • Learn about cultural traditions
  • Participate as a group
  • Build teamwork and connection
Request a workshopWorkshop details

Try a rhythm

This 12-pulse bell pattern is a timeline heard in many West African drumming traditions. Press play, then tap the drum along with it. Turn your sound on first.

Youth development

More than drumming

Every rehearsal and performance is a chance to grow. The Academy is a platform for youth development, cultural preservation, education, leadership, belonging, and community connection.

Five smiling Academy girls in matching kente-print outfits at an outdoor multicultural festival Academy youth and two instructors in matching kente-print outfits gathered behind djembe and conga-style drums on a lawn

Participation helps youth develop

  • Confidence
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Discipline
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Cultural identity
  • Performance skills
  • Community responsibility
  • Cross-cultural understanding
Families: ask about joining Support youth development
Community impact

One beat. Many connections.

Performances and workshops connect Academy youth with audiences, schools, festivals, and organizations across the Omaha area, and give neighbors of every background a way to experience African cultural traditions up close.

  • —Youth participantsFigure coming soon
  • —PerformancesFigure coming soon
  • —Community eventsFigure coming soon
  • —Audience members reachedFigure coming soon
  • —Partner organizationsFigure coming soon
  • —Cities & communities reachedFigure coming soon

Recent stages

A few of the community events where the Academy has performed, with video from AIFS WEB TV.

Video highlights · AIFS WEB TV

Watch the Academy in action

Youth Drumming Academy Electrifies Harvest Moon Festival! Play video

Now showing: Youth Drumming Academy Electrifies Harvest Moon Festival!Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Playlist

  1. Youth Drumming Academy Electrifies Harvest Moon Festival!Harvest Moon Festival · 2026 (video, opens on YouTube if it cannot play here)
  2. Youth Drummers Ignite Harvest Moon Festival with a Powerful PerformanceHarvest Moon Festival · 2026 (video, opens on YouTube if it cannot play here)
  3. Express Yourself in the Garden 2026: AIFS Youth Drumming Academy PerformanceExpress Yourself in the Garden · 2026 (video, opens on YouTube if it cannot play here)
  4. AIFS Youth Drumming Performance at the Children's Nebraska Belonging CelebrationChildren's Nebraska Belonging Celebration (video, opens on YouTube if it cannot play here)
  5. AIFS Drumming Performance at Restoring DignityRestoring Dignity (video, opens on YouTube if it cannot play here)
  6. AIFS Drums RhythmsRhythm session (video, opens on YouTube if it cannot play here)

Videos are published on AIFS WEB TV, the community media platform of African Immigrant Family Services. Turn on captions with the CC button in the player.

AIFS WEB TV on YouTube
Testimonials

What people are saying

We are collecting stories from the event organizers, families, youth, and partners who have experienced the Academy.

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Add a real quote from a teacher or principal about a school performance or workshop.

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Partnerships

Let's create something powerful together.

We work with organizations that share our commitment to youth, culture, and community.

Become a partner

Who we partner with

  • Schools
  • Universities
  • Cultural organizations
  • Festivals
  • Nonprofits
  • Businesses
  • Foundations
  • Senior-living communities
  • Community organizations
  • Faith communities
  • Arts organizations
Book the Academy

Ready to bring the rhythm to your event?

From schools and universities to festivals, conferences, community celebrations, nonprofits, and corporate events, the AIFS Youth Drumming Academy can create a memorable cultural experience for your audience.

Book us today Performance options
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