Griots in Concert – Linda Humes and Sanga of the Valley

Dr. Linda Hazel Humes is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Africana Studies Department at John Jay College in New York City. Her area of research is African American storytelling and culturally responsive education. She is proud to be the 2018 chair for the National Association of Black Storytellers Association education committee.

Dr. Humes is the founder of Yaffa Cultural Arts Inc. The Honorable Robert Jackson presented Yaffa with a 2007 Citation for Excellence in Arts and Education, from the New York City Council.

Dr. Humes is a storyteller and folklorist who performs and conducts workshops nationally and internationally. She started her storytelling career in 1989, through the mentor ship of Dr. Emeritus Mary Umolo Sanders at Medgar Evers College. Her CD, Kwanzaa- A Time to Celebrate received the 1999 Silver Parents Choice Award. Her latest CD, On the Shoulders of Our Ancestors is meeting rave reviews.

Sanga Of The Valley is originally from Trinidad. Playing African drums from an early age, he moved to New York City in 1970, where he met Babatunde Olatunji and became one of Olatunji’s students. Sanga Of The Valley eventually became one of Olatunji’s lead djembe players and spent 25 years as a member of Olatunji’s Drums of Passion.

Over the years, Sanga Of The Valley also worked with artists such as Carlos Santana, Nina Simone, The Grateful Dead, the Neville Brothers, and Stanley Jordan.