About Xaala Mainama, Inc. Community Development Center

Xaala Mainama Inc. (XMI) was established and founded by James E. Ray aka “Baba Djuann” in 1997 as a Cultural Arts Center. The original intent was to create a version of the Manhood “Warrior” training that exists in some regions of West Africa to teach young boys the skills, traits, responsibilities, and habits that are vital to growing to be a MAN. This purpose has evolved to include females and people from all walks of life as it is important that all people know of all the vast accomplishments of the African people. Since then, we have grown to become a leading provider of African cultural services in the region.

The phrase, “Xaala Mainama” comes from the Senegalese tribe, “Wolof.” “Yalla” means “God” and, thus the phrase, “Xaala Mainama was coined to mean “Everything that God has given us.” Out of the cultural Arts Center came Xaala Mainama African Arts Ensemble to give the company members an opportunity to showcase their talents, skills, express their personal, cultural inclinations, and to promote more of the same. 

The motivation was and remains to teach youth and young adults about their culture, remind them of their heritage, and to introduce some alternatives (crime deterrents) for young people. This concept was developed not only to productively occupy their time, but more to instill the positivity and pride that comes along with knowing that they are part of a great and growing legacy. We feel that if children know how great their ancestors and older relatives were, are, and some of their huge accomplishments to our current lives, they will not only know, but they would be more apt to walk in it with their heads held high (If you can see it, you can be it!). 

Today we exist because God has truly blessed us in our giving of ourselves, our culture, our talents, and our expression. All of which were given to us by him. 

Xaala Mainama African Arts Ensemble has performed on many stages from the Baltimore AFRAM Festival, Baltimore County African-American Festival, Artscape, UniverSOUL circus, Kunte Kinte Festival, a host of colleges, Juneteenth festivals, and many more. The classes and performing ensemble is comprised of members from age 5 to age 75 and covers many areas of the culture. The matriarch of the ensemble, Willa Walker (affectionately known as “Mama Willa”) has either led, taught, advised, or performed dance & drumming with Kankouran West African Dance Company, African Heritage Dance troupe, Keur Khaleyi African Dance Co. and has influenced many more. Our members have devoted many years to learning, performing, touring, and studying traditional African culture and music to entertain and educate our local community, all over North America, and quite a few other countries. Our mission is to increase awareness of our rich African history and legacy, while improving the quality of life for our audiences.

Xaala Mainama African Arts Ensemble is available for all of your African cultural needs from African drum, dance, song, stilt walking, history, jewelry, clothing, costuming, classes, etc.

We offer a range of programs to support individuals and families in our community, including African Drum Classes,  African Dance Classes, and a host of African Arts Performances. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each person we serve.