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Unity. ... Heritage. Culture. Togetherness.
Preserving and promoting Mandingo culture, empowering our people, and building a brighter future for the generations to come.
About Mamaya North America
Celebrating Our Heritage. Building Our Future.
Mamaya North America, the Badenya Family, is home to the most prestigious annual Mandingo cultural gathering in the United States.
Rooted in Badenya, the unity of the children of one mother, we celebrate, promote, and preserve our rich Mandé heritage through cultural events, education, and community service across the diaspora.
What is Mamaya?
Mamaya is a cherished cultural tradition of the Mandé-speaking peoples of West Africa. It is at once a music, a dance, and a joyful social gathering that showcases our identity, our history, and our artistry.
Dancers move in two graceful circles in flowing embroidered gowns, carried by the griot's song, the balafon, and the talking drum.
Our Culture · Our Pride
The Annual
Mamaya Gathering
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of dance, music, tradition, and togetherness that unites Mandingo families across North America and beyond in flowing gowns and joyful song.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
$20K
scholarships per recipient
15–20
Students supported each year in Sierra Leone
1930s
Mamaya's origins in Kankan, Guinea
04
Family, Unity, Love, Togetherness
Our Programs
Empowering Our Community
Educational
Scholarships of up to $20,000 and mentorship that empower Mandingo students in Sierra Leone.
Political
Non-partisan civic advocacy that gives our community an informed, unified, & respected voice.
Social
Festivals, gatherings, and community service that build unity and celebrate our shared culture.
Why We Gather
Six commitments guide everything we do, from the gatherings we host to the students we send to school.
Preserve Heritage
Safeguard the Mandingo language, dress, music, and customs so they endure for the next generation.
Unite Families
Strengthen Badenya, the bond of one family, across communities throughout North America.
Celebrate Culture
Host the most prestigious annual Mamaya gathering in the United States, open to all.
Educate & Empower
Fund scholarships for Mandingo students in Sierra Leone, opening doors through education.
Serve the Community
Organize festivals, mutual aid, and service that lift families at home and abroad.
Advocate with Dignity
Encourage non-partisan civic engagement and a unified, respected voice for our people.
Be Part of the Family
Whether you join as a member, give to a scholarship, or simply gather with us, you help keep our heritage alive and open doors for the next generation.
Mamaya North America, the Badenya Family. Celebrating, promoting, and preserving Mandingo heritage, and funding scholarships for students in Sierra Leone.
© 2026 Mamaya North America · Badenya Family. All rights reserved.