GiwayenMata

Submit

Sign up to receive updates and

special offers from the

Dynamic Dance Festival.

Last Name

First Name

E-Mail Address

WORKSHOPS/MASTER CLASSES

Celebrate

Promote

Preserve

DYNAMIC DANCE FESTIVAL, INC.

Atlanta's Premier

Black Dance Festival

GIWAYEN MATA is a dynamic, soul-stirring all-Sistah dance, percussion, and vocal ensemble. Founded by Omelika Kuumba, Zuri Sami Ra Maati Jordan, and eight other women of color, Giwayen Mata has been dedicated to the perpetuation of African culture since 1993 by presenting dances, rhythms, and songs of the African Diaspora to audiences of all ethnicity's, ages, and backgrounds.

The name Giwayen Mata comes from the West African Hausa language and means "Elephant. Leaders of Women". To fulfil this name, Giwayen Mata uplifts audiences through entertainment that is empowering, enlightening, and educational. Trained in sign language, ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, African, and Caribbean dance and rhythms, the membership includes sistahs in various stages of womanhood, with a combined experience of more than thirty years as teachers and performers.

Giwayen Mata's Performances often highlight traditional as well as original and contemporary works addressing issues pertaining to people of color, women, and our relationship to their environment. Audience participation is a key element. in the excitement and enjoyment generated by their performances. Giwayen Mata is an ever-evolving experience for her members and audiences. Having been graced with the talents of forty-two artists, Giwayen Mata continues to refine and ascend.

Performance highlights include Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the National Black Arts Festivals, the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, Inc. Awards Dinner, Mobil African Women on Tour, the UNICEF Child Survival Awards honoring Jimmy Carter, Atlanta, 'Rising to Power' festival, and "A Day of Reflection" International Memorial Tribute to dance pioneer Miss Katherine Dunham -- to name a few.