About Us
“African Drumming has the power to bring people together.
No matter what age, background, or color….rhythm connects us.”
— Donté McDaniel
African Drum Interactive, LLC® was founded by Donté and his wife Shar. As family based business of professional West African Drummers, we strive to preserve the cultural significance found in African Drumming through beginner friendly group drumming, performances, classes, and programming!
For years, it has been our mission to uplift and unify all people, heal our families and communities, and spread joy and culture through African Drumming.
Meet the Team
Donté McDaniel
MANAGER AND LEAD DRUMMER
Donte McDaniel is the lead drummer, soloist, instructor, and facilitator. Donte has continued to connect people through group drumming and performances since 2014. Donte McDaniel is a certified Drum Circle Facilitator and a trained Djembeföla who studied under Djembe Master Mamady “Wadaba” Kourouma. Donte has researched, created, and delivered African Drumming programming for: trauma-informed interventions, community health and engagement, behavioral intervention strategies, social justice initiatives, schools, afterschool programs, and more. He has a Masters of Social Work with emphasis in Child Welfare.Donte is well-known for his ability to relate African culture in every event, his energetic and powerful djembe playing, and his beginner focused and family friendly attitude that allows everyone to feel connected together through the beat!As a cultural bearer born in the Central Valley, Donte has made it his daily mission to honor his African heritage when providing culturally based services. He is committed to passing on traditional African Drumming and providing opportunities for the Central Valley to learn about Culture, Community, and Connection® through rhythm.-
Sharessa McDaniel
INSTRUCTOR AND DUNUNFÖLA
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Brendel James
INSTRUCTOR AND DJEMBEFÖLA
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Gwendolyn McDaniel
SUPPORTING ARTIST