Najja Codrington
Dublin Core
Title
Najja Codrington
Subject
Contributor
Coverage
Contributor Item Type Metadata
First Name
Najja
Surname or Business Name
Codrington
Years Affiliated
2017
Affiliation
Brooklyn Jumpies Inc., United States
Birthplace
United States
Occupation
Musical Director
Biographical Text
Based in New York, Najja Codrington is a co-founder of the Brooklyn Jumbies along with Ali Sylvester, and is also Musical Director of the KowTeff School of African Dance. Najja was born into a family that is deeply rooted in both African and African-Caribbean culture. At the age of 10, under the guidance of Obara Wali Rahman, he received his first formal training of the Sabar orchestra as a member of Sabar Ak-Ru-Afrique. Najja’s studies encompass music and dance from both the Caribbean and West Africa. Najja has traveled abroad to Senegal, West Africa where he studied under the tutelage of the Drame/Diabate griot family. As a result, he was exposed to an extensive amount of lore. As Najja has studied African dance and drumming intensively for many years, several people have contributed to his learning, such as Sewaa Codrington, Aissatou Diop, Wilhemina Taylor, Gregory Ince, Karim Braithway, Kissima Diabate, and Souleyman Diop, to name just a few. Currently, Najja is involved in many cultural activities such as Cultural Youth International’s Brooklyn Jumbies, Adlib Steel Pan Orchestra KowTeff African Dance Company, Bakh Yaye and A Touch of Folklore & More. Najja firmly believes that the cultural arts are not merely an economic tool. It is an inherent part of his spirit, which is a dominant driving force. It is with this driving force that he unselfishly mentors youth, instilling discipline, direction and pride. He also gives special thanks and praise to his mother because he would not be who he is today if it were not for her. Najja brings high-spirited energy to all groups that he embraces.
Country of Practice
Public Resource Centre Affiliation
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Citation
“Najja Codrington,” NTU CCA Singapore Digital Archive, accessed April 20, 2024, https://ntuccasingapore.omeka.net/items/show/3985.