COMPANY and Collaborators
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company members
Jameelah Rahman
Company Member
Jameelah Rahman is a talented dancer and choreographer originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She first began her dance, theatre and capoeira journey at Rainey Institute. She is a graduate from Cleveland School of the Arts and was a participant in All-City dance ensemble, and Errin Ministries. She has trained and performed at conferences such as International Blacks in Dance and has been a part of theatrical productions Leap of Faith, Black Nativity, and Aida. She has worked at Open Doors Academy and served as lead artist for Transformative Arts Fund project "All Our Babies."
Lafonshey Jones
Company Member
Lafonshey Jones is a Alumni of the Cleveland school of the Arts. With a passion ignited at a young age. She has dedicated the past decade to mastering the art of dance. From Tap, classical ballet , modern , African dance to contemporary fusion, She has honed her skills through rigorous training and performance experiences. With a graceful presence and impeccable technique, She captivated audiences with her expressive movements and dynamic storytelling on stage. Lafonshey continues to evolve as an artist, pushing boundaries and inspiring others through her unwavering commitment to the craft of dance.
Samara Steele
Company Manager/Rehearsal Director
Samara is a movement and performance artist based in her hometown, Cleveland, OH. She graduated cum laudefrom the Ailey/Fordham BFA program. She has performed works by choreographers such as Jeffrey Page, Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle, and Crystal Pite.
Samara has furthered her training and experience with several organizations including Jacob's Pillow, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Columbus City Ballet School, and the Radio City Rockettes. She has been privileged to perform at Lincoln Center, Cleveland Playhouse Square, as well as Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.
She recently completed her first season as co-rehearsal director and company member with Mojuba! Dance Collective. Most currently, Samara had the opportunity to serve as assistant to the choreographer on A Motown Christmas at The Hanna Theatre. Samara gives all glory to God and endless love to her family and friends for their support.
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Kailyn Mack
Company Member
Kailyn Mack is a Cleveland native and proud alumna of the Cleveland School of the Arts. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Wright State University.
Kailyn is widely recognized for her role in Karamu House’s production of Black Nativity, where she consecutively portrayed the lead role of Mary. She also served as Assistant to the Choreographer for Karamu House’s production of A Motown Christmas, performed at Playhouse Square.
As a passionate educator and artist, Kailyn currently serves as a dance teacher for CMSD, while also working as a teaching artist and choreographer throughout the city of Cleveland, including with Karamu House, The Diamond MVMT and Lyndhurst School District. She also proudly serves as the Director of Operations for The Diamond MVMT, where she continues to help cultivate excellence in young artists.
Amber Thornton
Company Member
Amber Thornton is a dedicated and versatile dancer with over 17 years of experience, specializing in African, ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, and liturgical dance. Her journey in dance began at a young age, and over the years, she has honed her skills and artistry through rigorous training and countless performances. Amber's passion for dance has taken her to various states across the country, where she has had the opportunity to perform on numerous stages, showcasing her talent and versatility.
Throughout her career, Amber has been committed to not only perfecting her craft but also using dance as a means of personal and artistic growth. She believes in the power of dance to inspire, heal, and bring people together. Her goal is to gain new experiences, glow with the joy of performing, and grow both as an artist and an individual.
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collaborators
Carolina Borja
Cellist
Carolina Borja is an Afro Colombian world musician, composer and educator. Over the past decade, Carolina has been exploring the cello as an ever expanding and versatile instrument in the realm of folk fusion and world music bands, interdisciplinary groups of artists and dance companies. Her most current work reflects an avid search for her roots and creativity, together with her role as a woman of the African diaspora.
Carolina holds a masters degree in Cello Performance Pedagogy from Ohio University. She is a Fulbright, Martin Luther King Jr. and the United States of America State Department Fellow, among other distinctions.
Renata Napier
Vocalist/Psalmist
A Cleveland native, is a Psalmist, actress, performer, singer, songwriter, praise leader, and Cleveland State Alumni. She has starred in several Karamu House productions including The Color Purple and The Black Nativity. Recently, she’s had the pleasure of collaborating with Cleveland’s own Mojuba! Dance Collective in the production of “Where The Light Enters” at Cleveland Public Theater under the direction of Mrs. Errin Weaver.
As Psalmist, Ms. Napier enjoys sharing her gifts in ministry at her home church, The Apostolic Church of God in Christ (Overseer Leon Napier, Pastor). She is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority (Delta Sigma Chapter), and has worked for the Cleveland Heights- University Heights city school district for over 16 years working in the special education department. Renata has an Associates of Arts degree from Cuyahoga Community College and earned her bachelor's degree in Communication Management from Cleveland State University.
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Assane MBaye
Master Djembefola
Papa Assane M’Baye was born and raised in Dakar, Senegal. He came from a family with a strong tradition of singing and dancing, and learned his musical skills from his extended family. At a young age, he began performing with his family at celebrations and events, and eventually at Le Ballet National du Senegal. His family also performed in Europe.
He came to the US in 2000 as part of a group performing Mandinke epics called the Ballet Afrique Noire, which included dancers and musicians from Senegal, Mali and Guinea. During his stay, he was offered a contract in Baltimore, and then was offered a position at The KanKouran West African Dance Company, a well established company based in Washington, DC where his former teacher was Musical Director. Assane performed with the troupe, and later became its Musical Director.
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VanDarrel Woods
Trumpet
VanDarrel Woods is a professional trumpeter from Cleveland, Ohio and graduate of Berklee College of Music, bringing a dynamic and forward-thinking sound to contemporary music. Rooted in the rich traditions of jazz, funk, and soul, his sound is equally shaped by the energy and innovation of hip-hop, rap, and trap.
As a member of 2 local performing bands, VanDarrel also contributes regularly to wedding and private event ensembles while maintaining a versatile freelance career across a wide range of musical settings. He views the trumpet not as a musical instrument, but as a powerful tool for storytelling, cultural expression, and human connection.
Guided by a commitment to professionalism, musical sensitivity, and authentic engagement, VanDarrel’s work seeks to bridge genres, communities, and generations. Through collaboration, improvisation, and a deep emotional connection to his craft, he strives to create performances that resonate long after the final note—sparking joy, evoking memory, and leaving a lasting impression.