A 2023 Delaware Division of the Arts Master Fellow in Oral Literature, TAHIRA is a storyteller, musician, vocalist, and songwriter. Whether performing her original works or her vast repertoire of stories from the African oral tradition, she brings messages of courage, hope, and triumph to her audience.

In 2021, TAHIRA was awarded the New Jersey Governor’s Award for Distinguished Service in Arts Education. Schools laud TAHIRA for her high-energy, interactive programs that make meaningful connections to young people and their academic learning. 

Testimonials

“She is AMAZING! Students and staff were connected and engaged. Her positive energy and message were just what we all needed to hear today. She knew exactly how to reach our students who are grades 6-12.”

Chris Peeler
Media Specialist
Heather Ridge School

TAHIRA was a gem!! She showed up early to set up, had everything ready to go with plenty of time to spare! She was motivating, engaging and captivating with her storytelling and songs! Our students and staff had so many great comments and reactions to the performance! 

Kate Cassidy
Administrator
Camden’s Promise Charter 

“After talking to the students, they absolutely loved the performances! They learned so much and it sparked great conversations to follow up with them! The messages and lessons taught worked perfectly with what we have been learning for both Black History Month and Women’s History Month!”

Teacher
Mot Elementary

Artist's Statement

I believe that amplifying the voices of the unheard is one of the most important roles I have as a storyteller. For example, Unbroken Spirit:1968 Siege of Wilmington was a project whereby I was able to collect first-person narratives from residents who experienced the occupation of Wilmington by the National Guard, following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I, along with music composer Jea Street, Jr., was commissioned to do this project by the Delaware Art Museum (DAM). The stage production centrally featured a video of my interviews with the residents and the glowing feedback I received from them at the conclusion of the project cemented my dedication to telling these difficult stories. The commissioned project by DAM led me to securing a contract with the University of Delaware to capture more stories from Wilmington residents who experienced the 1968 Occupation. Those stories were recorded and will live on in perpetuity in the university's archives.