GigSalad – Entertainment Marketplace Menu
Search
Favorites Sign Up Log In

Your list is empty.

Save musicians, entertainers, speakers, and services, and they’ll appear here.

Free Quick Quote
GigSalad – Entertainment Marketplace Menu
Search Favorites
  • Sign UpSign up
  • Log InLog In
  • Musical Acts
  • Speakers
  • Entertainers
  • Other Services
  • Home
  • How It Works
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Party Ideas
  • Help Center
Quick Quote
Back to African Entertainment
Umoja People the Ensemble

Umoja People the Ensemble

Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
4.88 
(19 reviews)
  • Olympia Fields, IL
  • African Entertainment
  • Travels up to 90 miles
  • Contact for rates
Get a Free Quick Quote
Promotional video thumbnail 1 for Umoja People the Ensemble Watch

Umoja People at Kenosha School District

Gallery photo 1 of Umoja People the Ensemble

the Ensemble

Gallery photo 2 of Umoja People the Ensemble
Gallery photo 3 of Umoja People the Ensemble
View previous media icon View next media icon
1 video 3 photos
Media Overview Reviews Booking Info
Get a Free Quick Quote

Overview

An ensemble performance that mixes African drumming, jazz, with dance, spoken word, song, and storytelling.
Also offer workshops in the arts the ensemble presents.


19 Reviews

Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Pamela B. • June 28, 2021

The performers were exceptional and educational.

We hosted our 51st Family reunion and hired Umoja people to perform. They exceeded our expectations. They engaged the children and adults by allowing them to perform using the instruments of our ancestors and Wow...It excited the crowd! If you are looking for a cultural experience, please do not hesitate to include the Umoja People the Ensemble at your event! You will not regret it!

Hired as:
Drum / Percussion Show, African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Nicole S. • March 21, 2020

A wonderful experience!

The children enjoyed the drumming and story telling. It was the perfect way to observe Black History Month.

Hired as:
Drum / Percussion Show
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Amy S. • February 22, 2020

Prepared to be Wowed

This group is amazing. They were a big part of our school event and have heard nothing but fantasy feedback. They created memories for the children. So easy to work with - truly amazing!

Hired as:
Drum / Percussion Show, African Entertainment
Umoja People the Ensemble

Response from Umoja People the Ensemble:

Hi Amy. If you got feedback from our performance, would you mind sharing a review. On gigsalad? Thank you again.

Wasi Young
Umoja People

Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Beth M. • June 20, 2019

Fabulous!

The Umoja People Ensemble was fabulous! My group was a bit younger than expected and they made the adjustment to ensure their impact was made. Thank you!

Hired as:
Drum / Percussion Show, African Entertainment

Photos from this event

Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star empty
Verified Review
Michelle A. • March 3, 2019

A great multi-generational approach.

This group gave our students a glimpse at several types of African Arts (music, dance, storytelling). The drumming & music portions definitely grabbed our students' attention. The students were highly engaged with the audience participation portions. It was great for the kids to see a multi-generational approach. The storytelling was interesting, but the stories were a little above the level of our students.

Hired as:
Dancer, Drum / Percussion Show, Storyteller, African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Jean W. • March 1, 2019

AWESOME!!!

Our students had a fantastic time with Wasi, Big Rod, and Kehinde. Wasi told stories about Black history, how Black History Month came to be, and had the students playing instruments. Kehinde taught the kids some dance steps, taught the kids a three-part song, and read an uplifting poem to them. I will attach some photos later, but here is the link to our school Facebook page so that you may view the video, which by the way is wonderful!!!
https://www.facebook.com/kenoshaschools/videos/355614405287641/

Hired as:
Drum / Percussion Show, Storyteller, African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star empty
Verified Review
John O. • February 27, 2019

Mt Olive's Review

We enjoyed the Assembly. Thanks for coming.

Hired as:
Dancer, Drum / Percussion Show, Spoken Word Artist, Storyteller, African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Emily L. • February 20, 2019

Great Show! Very adaptable

The Umoja People arrived early, were incredibly polite, and very adaptable. We were expecting about 50 middle school students, but only about 20 came, and many of them had to leave the library before the performance was finished. Everyone rolled with it and put on a moving show anyway. I think they really touched some kids.

Hired as:
Drum / Percussion Show, Spoken Word Artist
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Trekita L. • August 6, 2018

All I can say is, they were awesome 👏

They involved the children, the drummers and dancer was great. They even crowned my daughter as well as prepared a poem for with the meaning of her name in the poem. My daughter had great birthday party with the Umoja People. I put the poem in a frame for keepsake.

Hired as:
Dancer, Drum / Percussion Show, Storyteller, African Entertainment

Photos from this event

Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Minerva F. • July 28, 2018

Could not have made a better choice

The Umoja People Ensemble were on time , very professional and gave my mothers 80th Birthday Celebration just the right touch. Beautiful spoken word of her life with soft back round instruments and a very talented dancer. Mom recently discovered her Nigerian roots so the African touch was a win with everyone. Still getting outstanding reviews from the guests! I would highly recommended them for any event . Mr. Wasi and the entire Umoja Ensemble Thank you again!

Hired as:
Dancer, Spoken Word Artist, African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Candice E. • February 25, 2018

An Authentic Experience

Umoja People the Ensemble were just what we needed. With our diverse population of learners, they were patient, while delivering a quality presentation. The stories they told and read were relevant to identity and black history. The students had the opportunity to make music with them in a friendly way without fear. They were a wonderful group and we look forward to working with them again in the future. You will not be disappointed if you hire them. WE WERE NOT! WE LOVED IT! Thank you for an amazing experience.

Hired as:
Dancer, Drum / Percussion Show, Storyteller, African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Jenn M. • June 5, 2017

Great!

We were thrilled with Umoja!

Hired as:
Drum / Percussion Show, R&B Vocalist, Storyteller, African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Regina M. • May 7, 2017

Umoja People are Awesome!

The Umoja People set the mood for my event! Everyone, and I mean everyone thoroughly enjoyed the rhythm of the drums announcing the newly formed marriage and the bringing together of two families!! I would definitely hire the Umoja People for another event! Funny, with their name title alone, I thought they were Africans...they also thought we were as well! We had a good laugh at our American names.

Hired as:
Drum / Percussion Show
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Kim B. • January 17, 2017

Amazing

They were on time, professional, talented and an easy going group! We plan to book them again some day!

Hired as:
Storyteller, African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Letosha W. • May 31, 2016

Sensational!

It’s a bit after my event but I could not rush a proper review for my experience with this company. I hired the Umoja People for my Mother’s semi-formal 60th birthday party. I was hoping to secure entertainers who would amuse a diverse crowd but what I received was so much more. This was a cultural experience that resonated deeply within the guests and the honoree. The drummers and dancers awakened our senses with soul stirring rhythms and poetic movement while the story teller captivated us with vivid imagery and symbolism. Quite frankly, we were collectively moved. After the event they honored my mother with a beautiful personalized letter which personified exactly who she is! I could not have selected a more perfect group to celebrate my mother’s special day! Everyone loved them! On the business end Mr. Young was responsive and communicative. They were prompt and competitively priced. If you’re looking for great performers who are certain to both enlighten and entertain the crowd, you’ve found them! Thanks for your professionalism and your amazing performance Umoja!

Hired as:
Drum / Percussion Show, Spoken Word Artist, Storyteller, African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Ronda W. • February 28, 2016

Wow!

What an awesome performance! I booked Umoja People for a Black History event. The Civil and Human Rights Committee of UAW Local 551 was honored to have Umoja People be a part of our Black History event. They brought with them a presence of Peace and Unity. Everyone loved their performance. I am truly thankful for them. The story teller was phenomenal, he put you in a place in time with his words. The drums awoke a fire in your spirit & the dancer captured your soul. The President of my local was very impressed and informed that he wants me to keep in contact with Umoja People for future events. If you're looking for an Ensemble group book Umoja People! They will definitely deliver! Peace

Hired as:
Dancer, Drum / Percussion Show, Spoken Word Artist, Storyteller, African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Verified Review
Lacoya F. • March 2, 2014

Simply Amazing!

After gaining financial approval, I was tasked at the last minute to put a corporate event together to celebrate black history month at my 4.1 billion dollar organization, I found the Umoja People the Ensemble through google. I knew absolutely nothing about them accept for the two reviews on gig salad. I took a major risk being if the performance was poor or if they were unprofessional this could of been a career ending decision. I was blown away by their EXCELLENT performance they made my event memorable and expressed black history through music, spoken word, poetry, jazz, and dance. It was absolutely amazing and the professionalism was superb. I will refer them to any corporation looking for an awesome performance. I will definitely utilize their services again. After the event, I received a call from my VP of operations giving me great praise for the job well done! Finally, as I said in the headline the Umoja People the Ensemble is simply Amazing!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Dancer, Drum / Percussion Show, Jazz Band, Spoken Word Artist, Storyteller
Umoja People the Ensemble

Response from Umoja People the Ensemble:

Ms. Foster,
On behalf of Umoja People the Ensemble. I would like to thank you and say we appreciate you . Your choosing to book us was a leap of faith and your wonderful review confirmed your decision to have the faith to follow through. Ms. Foster, we wish you the best and look further to future associations with you and your company. We look forward to viewing any material you have on us . thank you again and peace, paul.

Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Gaiil P. • October 14, 2013

An Awesome Experience

We were given the opportunity to hire this ensemble for my Mother's 80th birthday and they were absolutely awesome. Each of the team spoke the same language but in different words and the youngest member of the group could have very well been a sociology professor, he spoke of a now world that with change could easily take off in a new direction (for the good) and the dancer spoke volume without ever opening her mouth to utter one word. The group was fabulous and this was an experience I would have NOT changed for anything in the world... Awesome is what they are called! Thanks for the experience.

Hired as:
African Entertainment
Rating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with goldRating star filled in with gold
Sharon A. M. • November 3, 2011

An African-sprit filled experience through dance and music.

The Umoja People the Ensemble was an important force that added to my husband's birthday party being a big success. My husband, our children and I enjoyed participating with the dancers in performing some authentic African dances. The drummers were also flexible enough to play along with music that was played by our DJ. I will use the Umoja People again in the future and sing their praises to family and friends

Hired as:
African Entertainment

+ 15 More Reviews

Write a Review

Booking Info

  • Profile
  • Calendar
  • Personnel
  • Influences

Price Range: Contact for rates

Languages: English

What to Expect

a cultural performance starting with the rhythms of the african drum, blended with the smooth sounds of a jazz band, complimented by the graceful movement of dance ,topped with the sounds of song and spoken word.......

About

Umoja People is an expression of culture through the arts of music, rhythm, movement, and spoken word. The company provides performances that excite the audience’s sense of rhythm in a gumbo of jazz, African drums and percussion instruments, blended with the creative movement of dance, and topped off with spoken word and song. Performances are tailored to suit the needs of each audience by using different combinations of talented personnel to meet program and budget needs of presenters.

Services Offered

African Entertainment Drum / Percussion Show

Upcoming Booked Events

June 18, 2022 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm Fair

Past Booked Events

June 27, 2021 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm Personal Occasion
February 28, 2020 • 9:00pm - 9:15pm Dinner Party
February 28, 2020 • 9:30am - 9:45am Nonprofit Event
February 20, 2020 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm Nonprofit Event
June 19, 2019 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm School Assembly
February 28, 2019 • 1:30pm - 3:00pm School Assembly
February 27, 2019 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm School Assembly
February 26, 2019 • 1:00pm - 2:30pm School Assembly
February 19, 2019 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm Cultural Event
August 04, 2018 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm Children's Birthday Party
July 15, 2018 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm Birthday Party
February 24, 2018 • 9:30am - 11:30am School Assembly
June 03, 2017 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm School Assembly
May 06, 2017 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm Wedding Reception
January 15, 2017 • 9:30am - 10:00am Cultural Event
February 27, 2016 Cultural Event
February 28, 2014 Corporate Event
February 03, 2014 Ethnic Celebration
December 31, 2013 Private Party
October 13, 2013 Birthday Party

View More

Team

rodney watts spoken word/percussionist
wasi young spoken word/percussionist/musician
paul rayon spoken word/percussionist/storyteller

Influences & Inspiration

our influences are an eclectic mix of legends from jazz,poetry,dance, and african drumming. From langston hughes to oscar brown jr. to coltrane and miles to gil scott heron.

Report this Profile

GigSalad – Entertainment Marketplace
  • Company
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Partners
  • Event Planners
  • How It Works
  • Party Ideas
  • Quick Quote
  • Vendors
  • Sign Up
  • Pricing
  • Testimonials
  • Support
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Log In

© GigSalad 2022 ❤ Peace, Love & Gigs ®

Privacy Terms