The Full Story
About Us
Founded in Edmonton, Alberta, on July 17, 1992, Wajjo emerged as a vibrant heartbeat created to fill the silence left by the under-representation of African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) performance practices in Alberta. What began as a bold vision has grown into a powerful movement—a bridge between worlds, generations, and stories—uniting rhythm, dance, and song in celebration of heritage and innovation.
For over thirty years, Wajjo has journeyed across stages, schools, and communities, using performance as both a mirror and a torch reflecting who we are and lighting the path toward who we can become. Through the beat of the drum and the grace of movement, we honour ancestral wisdom while crafting new narratives that speak to the realities of today.
Wajjo proudly holds the distinction of training the largest number of ACB children in Alberta, nurturing a generation of artists who continue to transform their communities through the arts. Each performance, each rhythm, and each shared breath embodies our core belief: that art is both resistance and rebirth, and that through it, we find our shared humanity.
Wajjo is more than a performance group. It is a living legacy—a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of culture to connect and heal.
Dr Arthur Bollo-Kamara - Founder
Dr. Arthur Kamara was a celebrated musician, scholar, and cultural leader whose work bridged continents and communities. Originally from Sierra Leone, he brought with him a deep love for West African drumming that has shaped his life’s artistic journey. Dr. Kamara became widely recognized for his innovative approach to music and his dedication to education and cross-cultural collaboration.
In 1992, he founded the Wajjo Drummers, a dynamic ensemble that quickly gained an enthusiastic following for its authentic performances and creative fusion projects. Under his direction, the group recorded two acclaimed CDs and achieved a milestone performance in 1999 at Edmonton’s Winspear Theatre, where they captivated audiences with a powerful blend of traditional African rhythms and Scottish bagpipes.
Dr. Kamara also collaborated with Juba, an Edmonton-based world music group, contributing to a recording that highlighted his versatility and passion for musical dialogue. Beyond performance, he served as a Board Member of the Edmonton Folk Festival and as President of the Society of Canadians of West African Origin (SCWAO), reflecting his commitment to cultural exchange and community building.
Following his passing, Dr. Kamara’s legacy was celebrated widely through tributes on CBC Radio, CKUA, and in the Edmonton Journal. At his memorial, friends and fellow artists honored his spirit through storytelling, drumming, dancing, and music from around the world—from African and Caribbean rhythms to Scottish piping.
Dr. Kamara’s life and work continue to inspire musicians, students, and communities to embrace diversity through the universal language of rhythm and song. (Source 1)
Mission
To preserve, promote, and evolve African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) performance traditions through education, artistry, and community engagement.
Wajjo is committed to creating platforms where drumming, dance, and storytelling celebrate identity, bridge generations, and inspire collective transformation.
We exist to ensure that ACB cultural expressions not only survive but thrive as living, dynamic forces in shaping Alberta’s and Canada’s cultural landscapes.
Vision
To shape a world where African and diaspora performance arts are embraced as vital expressions of human creativity, belonging, and continuity.
Wajjo envisions communities where every rhythm carries memory, every dance restores connection, and every story uplifts our shared humanity sustaining a legacy of resilience, excellence, and innovation for generations to come.
