Jawara Atiba Simon is a native New Orleanian born in the 7th ward. He is the son of the late great percussionist, Kenyatta Simon. Since the age of five Jawara has performed with two of New Orleans’ first African dance companies: Kumbuka Drum and Dance Collective and Culu Traditional African Chidren’s Dance Company. Jawara has not only studied under his father, but he has studied with Mechach Silcis, Sundiata Keita, Nana Cimati Bini Zulu, Moussa Traore, and Soule Diop, to name few. Jawara has performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with artists such as Bill Summers, Casa Samba, House of Blues All Stars, Jazz Crusaders, Percussion Incorporated, and many others. Jawara is currently teaching folklore music from West Africa, Cuba, Haiti, and Brazil to youth in New Orleans and working with children in the Jefferson Parish school system. Jawara is also currently reestablishing Percussion Incorporated and Azikwe Children’s Percussion, both of which were created and co-created by his late father. By reestablishing these companies, Jawara will maintain the rich musical African, Cuban, Haitian, and Brazilian culture throughout our youth while continuing his father’s legacy.