GIWAYEN MATA
THE COMPANY
Giwayen Mata is the award-winning, dynamic, soul-stirring, all-sistah, dance, percussion, and vocal ensemble that celebrates the richness of traditional Afrika by exhibiting its exemplary art forms. The ensemble performs traditional, contemporary and original pieces that address issues pertaining to people of color, women, and the environment.
The seed for the ensemble was planted in 1991 when Ramatu Afegbua Mahmud Sabbatt organized sistahs for jam sessions in city parks of Atlanta. This was done in the spirit of the principles of Kuumba and Kujichagulia (Kiswahili words for creativity and self-determination). In 1993, Giwayen Mata was formed in response to a call to Gail Vernon Zuri Sami Ra Maati Jordan from Amirah Wazir, the coordinator for Celebration ’93, an annual fundraising fashion show and Mother’s Day celebration sponsored by the women of the Atlanta Mas-jid Al Islam. Amirah was seeking an all-female entertainment group. At Zuri’s request, Omelika Kuumba, who eventually led Giwayen Mata as artistic director for 25 years, brought together eight of the other women from the jam sessions: Osunlade Fatunmise, Sarahn Henderson, Ife Hendricks, Sauda Jackson-Bey, Shalewa Mackall, Andrea Richards, Ramatu Sabbatt, and Ama Tyus.
The name Giwayen Mata literally translates from the Hausa language of Nigeria West Africa, as “Elephant Women”. Leaders of women’s organizations in Nigeria are referred to as “the Giwayen Mata”. This became the selected name and it is interpreted as “Elephant Leaders of Women'' because the founders chose to be trailblazers, playing the jembe drum – an unprecedented first on the stages of Atlanta. Giwayen Mata members are leaders in the preservation of the cultures of Afrika and the Afrikan Diaspora. Now, under the artistic direction of Tambra Omiyale Harris, as “Elephant Leaders of Women” the ensemble uplifts audiences with riveting performances that are empowering, educational, enlightening and entertaining.
THE DIRECTOR
Tambra Omiyale Harris is the Artistic Director of Giwayen Mata, the all sistah, dance, percussion, and vocal ensemble. With 26 years of company experience as a choreographer, teacher, and performer who is trained in anti-racist methodology, Tambra leads the company in performance works and classes that highlight the African Diaspora and the hidden treasures of black womanhood. She successfully developed the K-12 dance program at Charles R. Drew Charter School by employing her own curriculum specializing in African and Black American dance styles, STEAM, and the core values of Project Based Learning. Currently directing a dance program at Price Middle School in Atlanta in partnership with Giwayen Mata, she works as the school's dance educator using cultural and creative movement to focus on identity, cultural relevance, and social emotional learning.
Learn More
Website: giwayenmata.org
Instagram: @giwayenmata
Facebook: @giwayenmata