In the Beginning
KASSOUMAII is more than just a performance—it is a celebration of growth, resilience, and artistic excellence within the African Diaspora. The journey of KASSOUMAII reflects the evolution of Kofago and its unwavering commitment to community, culture, and creative expression.
Our story began in 2019, when KASSOUMAII debuted as part of our Black History Month programming. Back then, Kofago was a smaller organization, finding its voice as a collective of passionate performing artists. The first KASSOUMAII event took place at the Jamaica Center for Art and Learning (JCAL), marking the beginning of what would become a cornerstone event for Kofago. The event consisted of Kofago's signature piece "Daughters Of The Moon" and a viewing of the documentary "Walk All Night, A Drum Beat Journey."
Moving Forward
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to produce another KASSOUMAII until May 2022. When we returned, we did so with incredible energy, reimagining KASSOUMAII as a dynamic showcase for all of Kofago’s artists. Featuring multiple choreographies and partnering with extraordinary community artists like the amazing ADH, the event sold out a full week before showtime! The response was so overwhelming that we hosted a second KASSOUMAII performance in August 2022.
The Fundraising Elevation
Building on this momentum, October 2023 marked a significant milestone with our very first KASSOUMAII Fundraiser. Fresh from our tour in Senegal, we organized this special event to raise funds for our Senegal documentary project and our annual Kwanzaa Celebration show. It was a powerful reminder of the support and enthusiasm that fuels our mission.
In 2024, KASSOUMAII reached new heights by being hosted at the historic Malcolm & Dr. Betty Shabazz Cultural Center in Harlem, New York—a fitting venue for an event steeped in African and African-American cultural pride.
2025, Our Time Is NOW!
Now, in 2025, we are honored to partner with El Museo del Barrio to present our latest KASSOUMAII production. We are thrilled to share this evolving journey with our beloved community, continuing to uplift, inspire, and celebrate the beauty and diversity of the African Diaspora.
KASSOUMAII’s history is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the transformative force of the arts. We can’t wait for you to be part of the next chapter!