Ade Jembe Fola

https://youtube.com/shorts/yOfLvhBs5Ps?feature=shared

🪘❤️ A Heart Full of Gratitude ❤️🪘

What an incredible experience at the BPS Summit 2026!

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who shared their energy, presence, and spirit with ADE JEMBE FOLA. From the students who jumped into the rhythms with enthusiasm, to the parents who danced, smiled, and encouraged their children, to the administrators and staff who continue to create opportunities for meaningful engagement—thank you.

The atmosphere was truly special. There was joy, connection, laughter, learning, and a powerful sense of community that could be felt throughout the day. Moments like these remind us why we do this work.

For over 20 years, our mission has never been simply to provide programming—it has been to create impact, build relationships, and cultivate spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.

To every audience member who clapped, moved, sang, danced, or simply shared a smile, thank you for helping create an experience that was both uplifting and unforgettable.

As we often say at ADE JEMBE FOLA:

“Where Everyone Belongs in the Circle.”

With gratitude and love,

Jamil Adéwalé Kasumu, Baba Kasumu
& the ADE JEMBE FOLA Family 🪘💃🏾🌍❤️
City Honors School
BPS Family and Community Engagement
Lafayette International Community High School #207 - New

#BPSSummit 2026 | Rhythms of Excellence: Building Community Through African Drum & Dance 🪘💃🌍 Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

PAID INTERNSHIPS ARE RARE! This opportunity was made possible from a grant via New York State Department of Ag & Markets. Know someone home from college or one who stayed local? Know a person whose student loans are kicking in while they're waiting to find that job in degree field? Know a gramma that's spry and patient with GenX and Millennials? All should apply. This does not have age or income limitations. The best candidate will want to learn from BOTH collaborating organizations and will need reliable transportation.

Full circle moments hit different… 🪘✨

Over 20 years ago, Rob was one of the first people to give ADE JEMBE FOLA an opportunity—to access youth on a larger platform and begin building something meaningful in this community. That wasn’t just a moment… that was a seed planted 🌱

Fast forward to today, standing at the Young Entrepreneurs of Color Awards at One Seneca Tower… and witnessing young leaders, innovators, and trailblazers being celebrated—it all came full circle.

This journey has never been just about programming.
It’s always been about IMPACT.

To now see youth we’ve poured into over the years grow into leaders in their own right… that’s the real reward. That’s the legacy.

Deep gratitude to Rob and his entire team for continuing to create spaces where our young people are seen, valued, and elevated.

Baba Kasumu-
“It’s not about carrying the torch… it’s about passing the baton.”

And today… we saw that baton being passed beautifully. 🏁✨

THE CIRCLE IS CALLING. 🥁👑 SHARE SHARE SHARE!!!!!

This is more than a class…

This is culture, connection, and community in motion.

Experience the energy of Baba Kasumu 🇳🇬 & Youssou Lo 🇸🇳

Two powerful rhythms. One shared purpose.
🔥 Families learning together
🔥 Culture passed through rhythm
🔥 A space where everyone belongs

FREE • All Families Welcome
📍 370 Lafayette High School, Buffalo, NY
🗓 Mondays | 5:30–6:30 PM
April 13 | 20 | 27
May 4 | 11 | 18
🎯 CULMINATING PERFORMANCE – JUNE 6, 2026 | ALL HIGH STADIUM

No experience needed. Just bring your energy.

Because when families drum together… they grow together.

✨ HONORED. HUMBLED. READY. ✨

Following the recent announcement by Arts Services Inc. - ASI, ADE JEMBE FOLA proudly celebrates our Executive Director, Jamil Adéwalé Kasumu, Baba Kasumu, for being selected as a member of the 2026 MEDAL (Molding Executives and Directors into Arts Leaders) Cohort.

Among a powerful group of arts leaders from across Western New York, Baba Kasumu represents a voice rooted in culture, community, and legacy. As the Founder and Executive Director of ADE JEMBE FOLA, his work has centered on preserving traditional African drum and dance while building leadership, discipline, and confidence in youth throughout Buffalo.

This moment reflects years of dedication to creating spaces where young people feel seen, empowered, and connected to their heritage and where the arts are used as a tool for transformation and unity.

Being selected for MEDAL is not just recognition of leadership it is an investment in the future of culturally grounded arts in our community.

As Baba Kasumu joins this dynamic cohort, ADE JEMBE FOLA looks forward to continued growth, deeper partnerships, and expanding our impact across Western New York.

The circle is growing… and the rhythm continues. 🥁👑