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.
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COLLABORATORS
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.
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.
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.
