Francis Awe's mission is to create unity and harmony among people of all races and cultural backgrounds. He does this masterfully through the performance and teaching of African Music and Dance and the sharing of principles from the heart of African family life. Together with his wife, lead dancer Omowale, Francis Awe formed The Nigerian Talking Drum Ensemble in 1985 in response to a growing international interest in this unique form of drumming. He has performed in Mexico, Germany, India, and extensively in the United States. Currently based in Los Angeles, the Ensemble has appeared at the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Bower Museum, and Disneyland, as well as at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, the Hollywood Bowl and many other major cultural festivals. Bringing the richness and wisdom of his culture directly to children is also Francis Awe's passionate desire. He has spent much time and energy as a teacher, workshop leader and cultural guide. In this capacity he has been able to reach people of all ages and backgrounds, including those in the penal system. His hope and inspiration is to establish a permanent Cultural Center where African music and dance and its underlying message can be presented on a continuing basis.