Jelani Blunt

 My teachings include classical, Latin, as well as contemporary music but my passion lies in Africa. Through my teachings and travels I have been able to learn and study with master drummers such as Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate, and Bassidi Kone. As a child and adult I’ve been apart of many groups such as Sona Sone West African drum and dance and Abalaye African dance ensemble. I’ve been invited to play with dembebrah west African drum and dance group. I’ve played at the Ford amphitheater, and Kodak theatre in Los Angeles as well as the house of blues and the Coliseum. And in doing so it has lead to many opportunities such as the BET Awards, numerous reality and sitcom television shows, and even the Grammys. I have worked with artist such as Will Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Janelle Monet, and Beyoncé. I am now currently the musical director of the west African dance ensemble, Le Ballet Dembaya. I also teaches west African technique to elementary students as part of the after school STAR program, as well as teaching trouble youth at juvenile centers as a part of Rhythm Arts Alliance.