The Rhymer's Corner recognizes musical artists advocating for autism awareness!
It's Djembe time!
A.Abyla Lloyd speaks with djembe musician, Victoria Boateng founder of her drum workshop organization, Victoria Djembe. Victoria who was diagnosed with non-verbal autism at an early age grew to develop her musical talents which have led her to break through autistic stereotypes. Victoria earned a college degree, teaching at Amelia Earhart STEAM Elementary, a local Chicago Public School led by their principal Dr. Brenda Williams.
Victoria's remarkable talent led her to join established all-female drum groups and start an organization advocating for musicians and creative artists with developmental and physical disabilities. Her relationship includes working with a percussionist with a physical disability, Tommy Carrol, who has also spoken with A.Abyla Lloyd of his journey as an artist with a disability.
This episode will truly encourage, edify, and entertain. With a studio performance from Victoria and Tommy, As well as a performance from the students with Victoria and their principal Dr. Williams playing the djembe! Our children's future depends on your vote in the November election!
Victoria Boateng
Self-Autism Adovcate/Musician/Educator/Perfomer
Victoria uses the djembe to spread awareness for the Autistic community. As an advocate for
autism Victoria continues to make her mark. Victoria was diagnosed with autism when she was
three years old and couldn't speak until she was seven years old. She developed a close
relationship with music which led her to study The West African drum. Victoria uses her gift of
the Djembe, a rope drum that brings sound from West Africa. Victoria shares her passion with
the autism community with an intention to inspire women of all races, gender, and creed. She is
a part of the all female drum and dance company, Ayodele Drum and Dance and She Wolf
Sacred Movement.
Victoria graduated from Western Illinois University in December 2012 with a bachelor's degree
in communication and minor in theater. After graduation, Victoria Boateng studied West African
drumming with master drummer Bolokoda Conde and Michael Taylor. Victoria is now a
substitute teacher at Old Town School Of Folk Music and host drum classes for the Autism
community at Elastic Arts in Chicago, IL. In addition, Victoria has consistently practiced
mastering her craft on stage with life artists throughout the city of Chicago
Tommy Carroll
drummer / composer / bandleader
Tommy Carroll is a Chicago-based drummer and bandleader working primarily in the areas of improvised music, folkloric percussion and experimental rock. He leads Calculated Discomfort, an electro-acoustic ensemble showcasing his cinematic compositions, and Prosthetic, a futuristic dance band. He has released six albums and performed on more than 30 recordings as a collaborator in styles ranging from Puerto Rican folk to indie rock to modern hip hop. Described by the Chicago Reader as a workhorse drummer, Tommy can be found performing all around the city and the Midwest. As a totally blind musician, Tommy strives to promote the ingenuity of disability culture and joy of improvisation in all he does.
Tommy’s bands have been featured by major Chicago performance series. In January 2024, Calculated Discomfort performed a 90 minute multi-gallery concert at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Cripping the Galleries series. In August 2022, Prosthetic and Calculated Discomfort presented a joint concert in Grant Park as part of the Chicago Summer Dance series. In February 2019, Calculated Discomfort gave a concert as part of the Steppenwolf Theater’s LookOut Series. Tommy has presented music in most of the city’s clubs, bars and galleries both large and small.
Tommy’s albums as a bandleader focus on dance music and improvisation. Dances for Different Bodies (2021) and Not Amazing (2017) set narrative about disability culture to a groove-based backdrop. Listening (2019) is a collection of soulful vocal-based songs. Prosthetic (2022), Original Medicine (2021) and Calculated Discom…
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