My Journey to Orisa with Amma McKen

Amma Dawn McKen

 

International Artist

 

Recipient of 2009 National Endowment of the Arts Heritage Fellowship

 

In 2009, Amma was selected as one of the recipients of the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts, the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship. The awardees were chosen for their artistic excellence and contributions to their respective artistic traditions.

 

Amma Dawn McKen was born in Brooklyn, New York.? Amma has been singing traditional Yoruba Orisa music since the age of 14 and now at age 53 is one the most requested singers for Orisa music. The Orisa songs are sacred chants used for worship of Olodumare (God in Yoruba), the Orisa (saints) and the elements of life and nature.? As a priestess of Yemonja since 1979, is also a dancer, a professional tie-dye artist, clothing designer, natural hair stylist and Owner of Abeokuta Enterprises, an African inspired apparel company

 

Co-Founder, Nusori, Inc, founded in 2007

 

Nusori, Inc., a production company that produces musical recordings and sponsors educational programs that focus on the culture and traditions of Africa and the Africa Diaspora. Nusori’s first project is a recording of Alaako Oso by Amma McKen.