The purpose of the Azania Drum is to mentor children and young adults by building discipline, leadership, and teamwork through the lens of West African music and culture. Azania Drum represents leadership, dedication, and a willingness to learn and work as a team through West African music. Started in 2000 by both the late Baba Meshach Silas, and Mama Ann Ward, housed at Betty Shabazz International Charter School, Azania added an entirely new element of culture, creativity, and history to Chicago catering to children wanting to learn to play Djembe and DunDuns. Azania continued after Baba Meshach’s passing by Mama Ann and Baba Atiba, and began playing for Doinia dance, a children’s West African dance group, headed by the late Mama Niambi and now headed by Mama Imani Amos. Soon after, Baba John Chapman and Baba Desmond Owusu took the helm under the advising of Baba Atiba and it has grown into a performance ensemble that is developing more every year.