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About
James Ray (aka Baba Djuann) CEO, Ray of Hope Community Development Center
A native of Baltimore, MD, and a respected leader in the city’s cultural arts and community development spaces, James Ray is the founder of Ray of Hope Community Development Center, established in 2024. Also known by his drumming name, Baba Djuann, he is a U.S. Army veteran, father, grandfather, and lifelong community advocate. James created Ray of Hope to uplift youth, young adults, and recovery communities through the arts, education, and empowerment.
His journey began in 1990, when he was trained as a West African drummer and dancer while stationed in Colorado Springs. He went on to found Xaala Mainama African Arts Ensemble Inc., initially a group of dedicated drummers that grew into a dynamic drum, dance, and vocal ensemble — and eventually, a powerful community arts organization.
Today, James continues to lead with purpose and passion, building programs that heal, inspire, and empower. Xaala Mainama remains a core part of Ray of Hope — evolving, and reaching communities in Baltimore and beyond.
How We Chose Our Name
“Xaala Mainama” is a phrase inspired by the Wolof language of Senegal. It means “Everything that God has given us.” Xaala Mainama reflects a spirit of gratitude, generosity, and sharing what we’ve been given with others.
The phonetic spelling is "Yalla Mine-ugh-muh"
Our logo is the "Gye Nyame" a West African Adinkra symbol meaning, "Except God, there is no omnipotent, all-knowing creator.
The Dancers
PATSY S. WALKER
NAIMAH ALUQDAH-MUHAMMAD
PATSY S. WALKER
Dance is my art—and every opportunity to move is a chance to express, connect, and celebrate.
Dancing with Xaala Mainama, Inc. has deepened my understanding of West African culture and allowed me to grow as both a performer and a student of the art form.
With over 20 years of experience in West African dance, I bring my full journey to th
Dance is my art—and every opportunity to move is a chance to express, connect, and celebrate.
Dancing with Xaala Mainama, Inc. has deepened my understanding of West African culture and allowed me to grow as both a performer and a student of the art form.
With over 20 years of experience in West African dance, I bring my full journey to the stage—guided by the powerful drumming and energy this ensemble delivers.
DANIELLE HINTON
NAIMAH ALUQDAH-MUHAMMAD
PATSY S. WALKER
Dynamic African Dancer
NAIMAH ALUQDAH-MUHAMMAD
NAIMAH ALUQDAH-MUHAMMAD
NAIMAH ALUQDAH-MUHAMMAD
Stupendous African Dancer
The Drummers
Baba Djuann
As lead drummer and facilitator, Baba Djuann leads performances, classes, and drum circles across the region. Through Xaala Mainama, now a core program of Ray of Hope Community Development Center, he uses traditional African drumming to inspire, teach, and transform lives.
Give The Drummers Some !!!
CARL E . ALLEN
Explosive Drummer
Full Bio Coming Soon
AARON TURNER
Aaron Burnett-Turner, Sr.
Drummer • Musical Director • Cultural Educator
Aaron Burnett-Turner, Sr. has been immersed in traditional African music and culture since childhood. He began his journey in 1996 with Sankofa African Dance Theater in Baltimore and later joined APGADS African Drum Ensemble, performing nationally and internationally—including a historic performance at NASA for the Smithsonian Museum.
He has served as Musical Director for Return To Gorée African Dance Company and studied with world-renowned master drummers such as Medoune Gueye and Kissima Diabaté. A co-founder of Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company, Aaron has taught and performed across the U.S., including a featured appearance at the 50th anniversary of the Great Blacks In Wax Museum.
With over two decades of experience, Aaron is a dynamic artist dedicated to preserving and sharing the rhythms and traditions of African culture.
BYRON JOHNSON
Byron Johnson was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where he came to love music at a very young age. From the age of 6, he played trap set, bongos, congas, djembe and other instruments throughout his life. He attended Connexions Community Leadership Academy School for the Arts, graduating in 2010, and has been playing and studying West African percussion for two decades, which began at Connexions in 2003. He studied under Sankofa Dance Theatre with Salim and Jumoke Ajanku, Some of his teachers include Mahiri Keita, Weedie Braimah, Sekouba Oularé, Mamady Condé, Famaya kouruma, Amadou Kouyate and Menes Yahudah.
Sankofa Dance theatre, Urbanfoli, Njò Abulè, Malidelphia are the main group's he's traveled and performed with. Byron has been teaching African history and rhythm for 12 years now. He has various performances to date from all over the United States to Costa Rica to Conakry, Guinea, Hawaii, and Canada. One of his many goals, is studying to broaden his horizon everyday by obtaining more information through the oral and musical traditions of West African culture.
BARSHEID BOWMAN
Outstanding Drummer
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