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Unlock Your Rhythm • Cultural Connection

Discover Your Rhythm With Mama Fasi

Master African drumming with Linda Thomas-Jones (Mama Fasi). Bringing over 50 years of percussion mastery, cultural education, and community healing from Ghana and Ohio to the world.

Mama Fasi (Linda Thomas-Jones) - Master Drummer

Linda Thomas-Jones (Mama Fasi)

2017 Ohio Heritage Fellowship Recipient

About — Mama Fasi

A Lifetime of Rhythm, Community & Empowerment

Mama Fasi is a community arts educator, master percussionist, and pioneer of female African drumming in the United States. Beginning her musical training at Case Western Reserve University, she was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship from the Gestalt Institute for intensive study of drumming and dance in Ghana, West Africa.

Over 50 years of teaching in public, private, and institutional settings (grades K through 12 and adults), she founded The Imani African-American Dance Company and led professional drumming collectives including Iya Ilu (Mothers of the Drum). Now based in Ghana, she continues to inspire a global community through in-person residencies and digital instruction.

Her Guiding Mantra

“Love, respect, and reciprocity. When you attend a workshop with Mama Fasi, everybody plays! No one sits on the sidelines.”
Our Learning Offerings

Rhythms That Speak A Universal Language

Step into immersive, structured African drumming instruction designed to build technique, confidence, and musical joy. Available in-person and online.

Group Drum Lessons
In-Person & Online Available
1 Hour Sessions All levels (Youth, Adults, Seniors)

Group Drum Lessons

Hands-on ensemble classes exploring traditional djembe rhythms, hand placement, technique, and call-and-response timing.

Contact for Rates / Group Booking Details →
1-Hour Private Djembe Masterclass
In-Person & Remote Video
1 Hour Beginners to Advanced Percussionists

1-Hour Private Djembe Masterclass

Intensive one-on-one coaching focusing on rhythm precision, posture correction, soloing phrasing, and cultural roots.

Contact for Rates Details →
Girls and Grandmas Intergenerational Circle
In-Person Workshop
1.5 Hours Girls, Mothers, Grandmothers & Female Elders

Girls and Grandmas Intergenerational Circle

A celebrated cross-generational drumming workshop connecting women and girls from age four to elders in their nineties.

Community & School Booking Details →
Mama Fasi Teacher Certification & School Residency
Multi-Session Residency / Workshop
Half-Day to Multi-Week Residencies Educators, School Districts, Arts Institutions

Mama Fasi Teacher Certification & School Residency

Comprehensive professional development curriculum based on "Drumming Up Culture" and 50 years of institutional teaching.

Custom Institutional Proposal Details →
African Drumming Workshop in Session
Group & Private Classes

Experience Hands-On Rhythm

From basic hand placement to intricate polyrhythms. Unlock your creative energy in a warm, welcoming community.

African Percussion Ensemble Performance
Live Cultural Events

Bring Rhythm To Your Event

Hire master percussionists for community celebrations, university lectures, museum presentations, and cultural festivals.

Recordings & Publications

Original Music, Films & Educational Books

Official releases from Drum Woman Productions LLC. Order requests are fulfilled with verified payment instructions.

Don't Worry Child - Narrative Music Video by Mama Fasi
Flagship Narrative Film (5m 58s)

Don't Worry Child

An original narrative music video and cultural exploration directed by Mama Fasi. Weaving ancestral memory, traditional drumming, and resilience into a powerful 5-minute, 58-second narrative work.

US$15.00 / GH₵200 • Personal Digital Download
The Heart Beat Of Education: Discovering Personal Power Through Drumming
Book

The Heart Beat Of Education: Discovering Personal Power Through Drumming

Educational Publication / Book

Drumming Up Culture: Incorporating African Drumming in the Classroom
Book

Drumming Up Culture: Incorporating African Drumming in the Classroom

Curriculum Guide & Handbook

Night Time Is For Sleeping (E-Book)
Book

Night Time Is For Sleeping (E-Book)

Digital Illustrated E-Book

Night Time Is For Sleeping (MP3 Audio Download)
Music

Night Time Is For Sleeping (MP3 Audio Download)

MP3 Audio Story / Lullaby

Testimonials

What Our Community Is Saying

Authentic words from long-time students, parents, and community collaborators.

“Drumming with Mama Fasi is more than a drum class. It's definitely therapy as well as Spiritual Enrichment.”

Adwoa B.

Drum Circle Participant & Student

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“My children and I attended your wonderful drum class and it was simply amazing! The interaction was next level.”

K. Reynolds

Parent & Workshop Participant

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“When I met Mama Fasi for the very first time, I was intimidated by the drums because I never played before.”

Marcus T.

Adult Beginner Student

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“Mama Fasi is a great teaching artist because of her focus on the whole child—she doesn’t just teach how to make music with African drums.”

Former Director of Youth & Family Services

Colleague, Mentor & Employer

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Gatherings & Community

Upcoming Drum Gatherings

Future Dates Currently Being Scheduled

We are currently scheduling in-person community circles and online workshops for 2026/2027. If you would like to book Mama Fasi for an event or receive announcements for new dates, please reach out or subscribe below.

Editorial & Reflections

Stories, Rhythm & Inspiration

Explore African drumming, creative learning and stories that bring people together.

Connect With The Rhythm

Bring The Heartbeat of Africa to Your Community

Whether organizing a school residency, masterclass, spiritual drum circle, or cultural concert, Mama Fasi welcomes your collaboration.