Victoria Boateng (she/her/they/them) is a dynamic African drummer, autism self-advocate, and educator who uses the djembe as a powerful tool for awareness, healing, and representation. Diagnosed with autism at the age of three and nonverbal until the age of seven, Victoria found her earliest voice not in words, but in rhythm. Music became her sanctuary, and ultimately her calling.
Drawn to the deep, ancestral sounds of the djembe, Victoria began studying West African drumming, developing a unique bond with the drum that empowered her to express herself freely and boldly. Her journey led her to study under renowned master drummers Bolokada Conde, Michael Taylor, and Tosha Ayo Alston, who shaped both her technique and her connection to the cultural legacy of the drum.
Victoria graduated from Western Illinois University in December 2012, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Theatre. After college, she continued to build her passion for performance and advocacy, using drumming as a bridge between communities, especially those often marginalized or overlooked.
As a principal performer with Ayodele Drum and Dance, an all-female African drum and dance ensemble based in Chicago, Victoria has shared stages across the city and beyond, performing with Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop artists. Her dynamic stage presence and spiritual connection to the drum have made her a respected figure in the Chicago arts scene.
Off the stage, Victoria’s heart beats for service. She is the founder of Victoria Djembe Academy, where her mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for people, especially those with disabilities, to be seen, heard, and celebrated through African drumming. She currently teaches monthly workshops for the disability community at Divine Purpose Fine Arts Center and serves as a substitute teacher at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Through her work, Victoria inspires women and girls of all races, genders, and neurotypes to embrace their voices and claim space unapologetically. She continues to perform live with artists throughout Chicago while offering healing-centered drum workshops that promote expression, cultural pride, and self-confidence.
In 2025, Victoria’s impactful work was recognized with the prestigious 3Arts Award, an honor that highlights her excellence as a teaching artist, cultural advocate, and trailblazer for inclusion in the arts.
Victoria Djembe Academy presents "Unity Through Rhythm"
At Divine Purpose Fine Arts Center in Chicago
Featured Artworks
We are one!! Victoria Djembe Academy drum, 2025
Image by Adonis Haymer
Victoria Boateng Academy, 2025
Image by Daniel Kumapayi
Victoria Djembe Academy And Special Olympics collaboration, 2024
Image by Christopher Rapisarda
Drumming bring togetherness, 2025
One on One Instruction, 2025
Drumming is for Everyone, 2025
Image by Adonis Haymer