AfricaNashville is an innovative organization that connects African and American artistic communities through music, dance, and cultural education. Founded by Windship Boyd and Jeff Coffin, AfricaNashville serves as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, promoting the importance of African heritage in Nashville’s music scene.

The Yeli Ensemble, a key component of AfricaNashville, showcases the talents of the Guinean musician Ibrahima ‘Ibro’ Dioubate, the South African dancer Michael Moloi and various visiting artists. The ensemble offers engaging performances and interactive workshops that educate audiences about the rhythms, dances, and traditions of West and South Africa. By aspiring to train the upcoming generation of dancers and drummers, AfricaNashville creates opportunities for cultural immersion and artistic growth.  With a mission to uplift and empower artists, AfricaNashville is redefining the cultural landscape of Nashville and beyond. 

The YELI Ensemble is named after the word 'Yeli', also called  Griot in French. A Yeli is a 'living archive' of West African people's traditions. It is someone who has learned their art form from the youngest age, initially from their parents and then from their community and different masters of the art form.