Lannaya West African Drum & Dance Information

Find Lannaya on FaceBook at: www.facebook.com/pages/Lannaya-Drum-Dance-Ensemble. Lannaya is an Austin, Texas based nonprofit dedicated to performing, teaching and celebrating drum and dance of the African diaspora. Lannaya’s mission is to expose and educate audiences to authentic and progressive interpretations of drum and dance of the African diaspora. Founded in 2000, Lannaya has become known in Austin --- and around the state --- for its vibrant performances and commitment to West African culture. In the Su Su language of Guinea, West Africa, Lannaya means "confidence.” It’s what the ensemble seeks to express in its work and instill in audiences through its performances. The group consists of a multicultural ensemble of dedicated drummers and dancers. Lannaya has performed at Austin’s Paramount Theater, One World Theater, and many outdoor festivals including Austin City Limits, First Night Austin, Austin New Year, and Austin FanFest (a downtown party celebrating the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix). Lannaya has opened for international headliners like Grupo Fantasma (Grammy award-winning Austin-based Latin funk jam band). Since 2008, Lannaya has performed statewide for Texans in their own communities via selection in the Texas Commission on the Arts’ competitive Texas Touring Arts program. As a TCA artist, Lannaya has performed at Waco’s Cultural Arts Fest since 2013, and since 2008 at Levitt Pavilion for the Arts, in Arlington.