Interview with Victoria

Victoria uses the djembe to spread awareness for the Autistic community. As an advocate for autism, Victoria continues to make her mark. Victoria was diagnosed with autism when she was three years old and couldn't speak until she was seven years old. She developed a close relationship with music which led her to study the djembe drum. Victoria shares her passion with the autism community with an intention to inspire women of all races, gender, and creed. She is a principal performer in all-female drum and dance company, Ayodele Drum and Dance. Victoria has performed with various afrobeat, R & B, and hip-artist around the Chicagoland area. Victoria graduated from Western Illinois University in December 2012 with a bachelor's degree in communication and minor in theater. After graduation, Victoria Boateng studied West African drumming with master drummer Bolokoda Conde, Michael Taylor and Tosha Ayo Alston. Victoria is now a substitute teacher at Old Town School of Folk Music and host drum classes for the Autism community at Divine Purpose Fine Arts Center in Chicago, IL. In addition, Victoria has consistently practiced mastering her craft onstage with life artists throughout the city of Chicago.