The Dansi
The group Jodama which stands for “ordinary people that value and celebrate their diverse
culture, history and traditions by way of drum and dance” is a group of multi-talented individuals
that consider themselves true performers that have the sole purpose of education and
entertainment at heart. Jodama consists of an extensive group of drummers and dancers that
range in age from 2 and up.  This group of positive young people take great pleasure in
performing traditional African music mixed with their own unique blend of varying sounds and
percussions.  Those that have witnessed this group will agree that their performance speaks
with an electrifying delivery of incredible energy, and that their stage presence is just as
enhanced by their exquisite costuming. These young people are a must see.
YOU MUST SEE THEM!!  
Email your comments

We would like to take
this opportunity to thank
you for visiting the
Jodama web site.  If you
are here chances are
you have seen one of
our shows and would like
more information or
perhaps a little history
on the group itself.  With
the creation of this
website we hope to do
both.  

Although we are always
upgrading our web site,
please feel free too
browse the latest
information on the
group.  Should you have
further questions,
concerns or would like to
book the group for your
special occasion please
feel free to view the
contact us page on our
site or call Jackie at
(916) 519-3383 and she
will get back with you as
soon as possible
regarding your request.  
Thank you and enjoy!
This web site is dedicated to the continual preservation of African culture and history.
See what people are saying...
~~~


My favorite performance at the banana festival was by Jodama who entertained with African dances. Their spokesperson,
at the microphone, introduced each performance before it started. Besides the dancers being in front of the stage a
powerful native drum section kept everyone moving.
David Alvarez, August 2010

"We wanted to show the best performers to really celebrate what each rich ethnic group has to offer," Fat said. "We are
lucky to have so many people performing right here in Sacramento."The Waterfront Stage, showcased a variety of
performances, like Jodama African Drum and Dance, Tezaur-Romanian Dance and Bhaskar's Arts Academy with Indian
Dance. Jodama, who only goes by Their first name, calls their North Highland troupe "Sacramento's best kept secret." we
felt proud to to have their company show off different cultural dances from everywhere in Africa. "We have a different
variety of ethnic dancers from Ghana, West Africa, South Africa, Morocco," she said."If you feel the music, don't be
afraid to stand up and dance!" one Jodama dance member shouted from stage.  Thundering drums, whooping and
beating of sticks harmoniously on stage, brought many audience members to their feet cheering and grooving in
tune with the tribal beats.  "Many of the villages in Africa would play their music loud and strong to communicate with
other neighboring tribes," said dance member Joyce, speaking from the microphone.  Villages would come together for
huge celebrations, such as weddings, and communicate their joy through dance, she said.
Lina Fat, board chair of the festival and executive chef of Fat's Restaurants
The Second Annual Sacramento World Music and Dance Festival, Sept. 2009

You guys were great, I wanted to get up there on stage with you and dance dance dance.
Anonymous in Old Sacramento

Great Performance
Judy, California

I never knew Sacramento had such talent.  It's time to stop being a best kept secret and let this city know what's really
going on by way of cultural entertainment.  Your group was a delight to watch.  I have seen dozens of African performers
and while I respect the cultures and regions they represent, Jodama brought something to the stage that I have not seen in
quite a while, energy and excitement.  There was never a dull moment in watching your group perform, and your music
was very varied in that it didn't carry the same beat over and over that you tend to hear with a lot of traditional African
music.  Keep up the good work and keep up the high energy.
Mr. Nathaniel D. Thomas, D.D.S., Sacramento, CA.  September 22, 2008

Jooooooooooooooooooooooooodama! You guys rock, after seeing your performance I want to go to Africa.
Barbara Ann Masterson, Livermore, California.

WOW!!!!!  YOU GUYS WERE WAY COOL
Nick, Paul, Sandy, Lawrence, Jessica  9/21/08

I got a chance to see this group at the world music festival in Old Sac this weekend and they were hot!  I have never seen
such energy.  I got tired just looking at them.  God bless you to such a positive and humble group of performers.
Katie Corkin and Family, Yuba City

I am very moved by your company of dancers, your inspiration and creativeness.  What an incredible tribute to God and to
the African culture.  It's not only educational for me, but artistically very moving.
Sharon Jennings....California State Senate

I visited the Jodama web site and am impressed with their accomplishments.
Toni Beckham, President & CEO PR Etecera, Inc.

I love your web site, especially the history page.
Heather, Technology Specialist EGUSD

Thanks for the great performance last night, it was truly inspiring, wonderful and fun to watch. It is amazing how fast our
racial and cultural differences disappear when we share each other's hearts, I felt yours. thanks again.
Rick Sculley, Sacramento, California

I just had to let you know that seeing your group perform at the state fair was worth every minute, truly awesome.
Janeen Coultier, Chico, California

Your group sounds great!
Alana Lowe, Associate Producer San Francisco Theater Festival

I'm glad your group finally went public, you are all wonderful and a true sight to behold.
Marjorie Stafford

Wonderful!  I saw Jodama for the first time last weekend.  I'm so glad that you're showing and preserving a part of
African culture that so many people aren't even aware of.  The dances were beautiful, earthy, raw and powerful.  
Cassi Collins, Elk Grove     

Absolutely awesome, you all are just wonderful.  Thank you for donating a performance to hurricane Katrina victims.
Jan Hollins, J. Hollins Event Planning of Sacramento
                                                                                                                                                                               
      I just want to say again, how much I enjoyed your black history celebration.  It was very moving, entertaining,
powerful and colorful.  My only regret is that I had to leave prior to the end to attend a board meeting for another
organization. I was particularly fond of the Juke Joint skit.  It was hilarious.  I had my little 4 year old granddaughter with
me and she liked the Moroccan dancers (which were beautiful)
Mardres Story, Office of Assemblymember Dave Jones, 9th District