By: Joshua Finley
Victoria Boateng, an accomplished musician, drum instructor, and autism advocate, has emerged as a powerful voice for inclusion and empowerment through her unique blend of personal experience and artistic talent. Diagnosed with autism at the age of three, Victoria faced numerous challenges, including a delay in speech development that lasted until she was seven years old. Despite these obstacles, she found her voice through music, transforming her personal struggles into a mission of advocacy and inspiration. Today, Victoria uses the rhythms of the djembe drum to connect, uplift, and empower others, particularly those within the autism community.
The djembe, a West African percussion instrument, became Victoria’s primary medium for self-expression and storytelling. As a child, music served as a way for her to communicate when words were out of reach. Over time, her passion for drumming blossomed into a life’s purpose. She pursued her craft with dedication, studying under master drummers Bolokoda Conde, Michael Taylor, and Tosha Ayo Alston, each of whom imparted cultural and technical expertise that shaped her artistry. Through these studies, Victoria not only honed her musical skills but also deepened her understanding of the cultural significance of West African drumming, which she incorporates into her work today.
Victoria’s musical journey led her to Ayodele Drum and Dance, an all-female ensemble that celebrates unity, culture, and resilience through the power of drumming and dance. As a principal performer, she has captivated audiences with performances that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. Her collaborations extend beyond traditional African drumming; she has worked with Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop artists in the Chicagoland area, showcasing her versatility as a musician and her commitment to cultural fusion.
What sets Victoria apart is not just her talent but her unwavering commitment to advocacy. As a person with autism, she brings an authentic and deeply personal perspective to her work, making her a relatable and inspiring figure within the autism community. Her programs focus on creating inclusive spaces where individuals with autism can explore self-expression through music. At the Divine Purpose Fine Arts Center in Chicago, Illinois, she leads drum classes designed specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum, fostering creativity, confidence, and connection. As a substitute teacher at the Old Town School of Folk Music, she further expands her reach, sharing her passion for music with students from diverse backgrounds.
Victoria’s contributions have earned her widespread recognition. Her accolades include the 2024 Kodi Lee Give Back Recipient award, the 2023 Self Autism Advocate of the Year award from Legacy Land Non-Profit Organization, and multiple honors from Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation, including the prestigious Dougie Award. These awards highlight her dedication to advocacy and the profound impact of her work in uplifting others, particularly women and individuals with autism.
For Victoria, advocacy and art are inextricably linked. “I had to find my own voice in a world that didn’t always understand me, and music became my way of communicating and connecting,” she explains. This understanding drives her commitment to helping others find their voices, showing them that their stories and contributions are valuable. Her ability to fuse art, activism, and culture into a cohesive message of empowerment makes her a unique figure in both the music and autism advocacy worlds.
In addition to her advocacy work, Victoria is a role model for women from diverse backgrounds. Her story demonstrates the power of resilience and creativity to overcome adversity and inspire others. “My goal is to inspire women and individuals with autism to embrace who they are and recognize their unique strengths. We all have something valuable to offer,” she says.
Victoria’s impact reaches beyond her performances and classes. Through her collaborations with Ayodele Drum and Dance and her outreach efforts within the autism community, she is creating a legacy of inclusion and empowerment. Her work reminds us that limitations are not barriers but opportunities for growth and transformation. “Drumming became my way to speak when words failed. It’s a language that transcends barriers and connects people from all walks of life,” she shares.
As Victoria continues her journey, she remains focused on fostering understanding, building community, and inspiring others through the universal language of music. “The recognition is humbling, but it’s not about the awards—it’s about creating change and helping others realize their potential,” she reflects.
To learn more about Victoria Boateng’s work, join her drum classes, or support her advocacy efforts, follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding world, one rhythm at a time.
Published by Mark V.
