Drumlady K

About the Artist

  Kristen Arant aka The Drumlady, is a musician, activist and teaching artist whose mission is to facilitate skilled artistry and self-expression, and to build camaraderie and community amongst a diverse student body. Originally an oboe player majoring in music and inspired to drum via her activist pursuits, Kristen has studied West African drumming, song and percussion for more than 20 years in order to utilize these art forms as her primary tools in furthering this mission. Kristen is known for her intuitive, accessible teaching style, which has led to many communities sprouting up around her, each with the drum at its center. For 10 years, she founded and ran a DC non-profit called the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project. She is the founder of the all-women’s West African drumming ensemble Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, West African drumming teacher at the Washington Waldorf high school, and leader of the Akoma @ All Souls drumming group out of All Souls church in Washington DC. In addition, Kristen has been to Ghana, West Africa 5 times with her partner, drum-builder Michael Kweku Owusu. They provide cultural and musical immersion tours based at the Akoma Center, a cultural arts center they built in Senya Beraku, Ghana that offers drumming, dancing and drum-building workshops to local youth. Kristen currently teaches drumming classes on Zoom, in person and by request, and is a faculty member at Lee Montessori Public Charter School in Washington, DC, where she teaches general music. More on Kristen at www.drumlady.com 

Artist's Statement

My work is broad and diverse. Here is a list of some of the things I can offer. However, if you have an idea of what you want that's not on this list, I'm certain I can deliver, just reach out! West African drumming workshops - can be a single workshop or a weekly series. Drums provided via rental or locations have the option to purchase. These can be done in schools, independent living centers, recreation centers, private parties or events, churches, festivals, etc. Curriculum for schools includes learning games and arts integrated subjects such as geography, geometry and physics.  West African drumming performances by the Bele Bele Rhythm Collective - Sisterhood of the Drum. We have performed at a variety of events and locations on request. Examples include festivals, private parties and events, churches, schools, etc. Performances are entertaining and educational. Solo, duo or trio performances can also be arranged for smaller events.  African percussion presentations for very young children - these include singing songs about Africa and the instruments that come from Africa, passing around different instruments to try, leading parades, playing freeze dance and more.  Weekly drumming classes - These are provided by the Drumlady on Zoom and in-person and are recommended for ages 9 and up - inquire with Kristen to find out more details.