About this Artist

Pronouns: she/her

TAHIRA is a storyteller, poet, vocalist, and musician with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University’s School of Communication and Theatre. She has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil! Since 1996, TAHIRA has been a full-time performing and teaching artist. Whether performing her original works or her vast repertoire of stories from the African oral tradition, she brings to her audience messages of courage, hope, and spiritual strength. Blending, song, poetry, and story in a high-energy performance TAHIRA captivates and enthralls audiences in schools, libraries, festivals, and social services organizations nationally and internationally. In December 2015, TAHIRA performed in Ghana, West Africa at the internationally acclaimed festival, PANAFEST. TAHIRA is renowned for using storytelling in non-traditional settings, such as with victims of trauma and juvenile in correctional facilities. TAHIRA is the 2000 Recipient of the Delaware Division of Arts Fellowship in the Established Professional category for her outstanding contributions to Oral Literature.

Artist Statement

I use story to empower young people to think critically, choose wisely, and believe fervently in their ability to succeed.