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Lee University to Present West African Dance Presentation and Workshop

Cleveland, TN (08/14/2026) — Lee University's School of Music will present a West African Dance Presentation and Workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. in the Dixon Center on Lee's campus. A civil discourse discussion and question-and-answer session with the featured artists will follow at 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature Christina J. "C.J." Wade, a West African dance specialist, and Edmond "Barry" Johnson, a djembe performer. The presentation and workshop will introduce participants to West African dance, music, and culture while providing an opportunity to engage directly with the artists.

"Music can be a powerful tool for civil discourse by fostering community and empathy, as well as social change," said Dr. Joanna Pepple, assistant professor of musicology at Lee. "It can bridge divides that spoken words cannot."

Wade, a native of Brookside and Graysville, Alabama, began playing piano at age four and discovered her gift for choreography as a teenager through her church's arts department. With more than 25 years of artistic experience, she has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and the Netherlands and has provided choreography and workshops for high schools, colleges, theatrical organizations, and other institutions.

Wade also served for 15 years as a creative consultant and choreographer for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Gospel Choir and has worked as a performing and teaching artist with Nathifa Dance Company & Outreach, where she performed and taught African dance in schools and community settings.

Johnson, who began playing drums at age eight, is the founder, program director, and drum instructor of the Sahi On Ko Djony West African Cultural Enrichment Program, a community-based youth program that introduces young people to West African drumming, dance, and culture. The Fulani phrase "Sahi On Ko Djony" means "The time is now."

A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Johnson played with several drumming and dance organizations, including the Afro-Caribbean Sun Drummers, Talladega Dance Company, Nathifa's Dance Company, Sculpture Essence Dance Company, and Umdabu South African Drum and Dance Theater. His 38 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard also provided opportunities to travel internationally and deepen his knowledge and appreciation of drumming traditions.

Johnson established the Sahi On Ko Djony program in 1999 and re-established it after retiring from military service in 2016. The program uses West African drumming, dance, and cultural education to help young people develop self-esteem and self-worth while learning about their heritage.

"C.J. Wade and Barry Johnson bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise regarding West African dance traditions and culture," said Pepple. "They are also deeply committed believers who believe in the beauty of God's creation, the inherent value God has placed within each one of us, and how our cultural differences can create meaningful connection and growth."

The event is free and open to the public.

The West African Dance Presentation and Workshop is sponsored by Lee University's Center for Responsible Citizenship, which promotes civic education and engagement through academic programming, public events, and educational outreach designed to foster understanding of America's founding principles and constitutional government. Its mission is to rebuild social fabric at the local level by cultivating charitable dialogue on the questions that connect people and communities.

For more information, contact Pepple at jpepple@leeuniversity.edu or the School of Music at (423) 614-8240.

Media Attachments

C.J. Wade, West African dance specialist

Barry Johnson, drummer

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