Founder & President

   In 2004, Ambassador Adewumi incorporated the New York African Chorus Ensemble Inc. (NYACE), a Harlem-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting African music, bridging cultural divides, and showcasing multicultural artistry. Under her leadership, the organization has performed at iconic venues, including the Apollo Theater, Schomburg Center, and Natural History Museum. She also founded and produces the annual NYC Multicultural Festival, a celebration of diversity that has become one of New York City’s hallmark cultural events.

Amb. Adewumi's talents extend far and wide, encompassing her roles as an accomplished singer, music director, documentarian, and passionate advocate. In 2011, Amb. Adewumi organized the international conference and festival, “Dialogue: Africa Meets North America in Harlem” to mark the United Nations 2011 International Year For People of Africa Descent. “The Dialogue” earned Adewumi the prestigious New York Metropolitan Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolence, Inc., 2011 World Harmony Award. In 2012, Chief Ambassador Adewumi received the Blue Heart Award from Berlin, Germany, for the NYC Multicultural Festival. In 2013, she received a Congressional Proclamation from the United States House of Congress given by Congressman Charles Rangel, a proclamation from the New York City Council sponsored by Council members Inez Dickens and Robert Jackson. Her dedication to promoting cultural diversity and understanding has earned her appreciation from various communities, including the Nigerian Community in New York, who bestowed upon her the esteemed Yeye Asa Award (Mother of Culture), sponsored by Floxy Bee, the famed Nigerian singer. In 2014, former Council member now Manhattan Borough President, Mark Levine, gave her a Citation in recognition of her services to the community. In 2018, her efforts in championing cultural heritage earned her the title of Cultural Leader from the then Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer. In 2019, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the NYC Multicultural Festival, she received a proclamation from the Mayor of New York City, another from Senator Robert Jackson, and yet another from the then Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. Chief Ambassador Adewumi received the Champion of Social Service Award from The Wilson Mayor Morris Community Center for championing the cause of freedom, democracy, and social justice and also the 2019 African Achievement Award from the African Trade Center in Nigeria. Additional proclamations have been received in recent times from Mayor Eric Adams, Assemblyman Al Taylor and Councilmember Shaun Abreu. In 2023 Chief Ambassador Adewumi received the SDG Excellence Award at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78).

 In addition to her cultural contributions, Ambassador Adewumi is deeply involved in community service. Her “Give Back Tuesdays” initiative has supported Harlem residents for over eight years, providing essentials to low-income families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with a grant from West Harlem Development Corporation, she expanded the program to feed over 3,000 families. In collaboration with the 30th Precinct and its Community Council, she also organizes annual events such as the Hazel O’Reilly Seniors Christmas Dinner and Children’s Christmas Party, which serve hundreds of participants.

Ambassador Adewumi currently serves as:

Cultural Ambassador at the Nigerian Consulate in New York

National Director of Arts and Culture at NAPAC-USA

Co-Chair of Economic Development on Manhattan Community Board 9

President of the 30th Police Precinct Community Council

In recognition of her cultural leadership, she was conferred the chieftaincy title of Asiwaju Awo of New York State in 2016, by His Imperial Spiritual Majesty Dr. Sola Atanda. She is also a proud member of the Healing Teaching and Tourism Temple of African Faith International (Hattaf Int’l).

Beyond her advocacy and community service, Ambassador Adewumi is the concept originator and producer of the feature film We Are The Endless Roar, which explores the interconnectedness of the African Diaspora. Her efforts to bridge the gap between Africa and its diaspora extend to organizing annual cultural trips to Nigeria, fostering meaningful connections and promoting African heritage.

Ambassador Joyce Adewumi’s unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, community empowerment, and global unity continues to inspire and impact lives worldwide. She resides in Harlem and remains a passionate champion for African culture and heritage. 

 WHEREAS: The Council of the City of New York is proud to honor Joyce Adewumi in recognition of her outstanding service and contributions to the community.

 WHEREAS: We observe March as Women’s History Month to celebrate the extraordinary women who have shaped our City since its earliest days. All New Yorkers are benefactors of their profound courage and their unwavering commitment to progress and equality. As we remember the previous generations of women and their incredible struggles and triumphs, this occasion also serves an important opportunity to celebrate the countless trailblazing women who are building upon that enduring legacy making history today in their own endeavors, Joyce Adewumi is such an individual; and

WHEREAS: Although Joyce Adewumi is widely recognized as a talented and energetic performer of African music, drama, and dance, it is her passion for authentic artistic expression that has led her to create many opportunities for the presentation of African productions here in New York City; and

WHEREAS: It is impossible to fully catalog the cultural events and performances that Joyce Adewumi has inspired, organized or coordinated, but all are characterized by energy, enthusiasm and attention to detail that ensures an accurate presentation whether the performance is traditional or contemporary, especially the Village of Harlem, has enjoyed “Celebrate Diversity Celebrate You:, Dialogue: Africa Meets North America in Harlem,” and events from The New York African Chorus Ensemble; and

WHEREAS: Joyce Adewumi brings us closer together through the celebrations of cultures that are found in our great city, gives of her time, intellect, and talent in so many ways and has truly distinguished herself a role model to others, both women and men, and earning the lasting gratitude of all New Yorkers; now therefore

BE IT KNOWN: That the Council of the City of New York proudly honors

Joyce Adewumi

For her outstanding service and contributions to the community

 Signed this 20th day of March in the year Twenty Thirteen.

Christine C. Quinn, Speaker
For the Entire Council
Robert Jackson

Council Member, 7th District, Manhattan
Inez E. Dickens

Council member, 9th District, Manhattan.

 Day 8: Let’s take time to celebrate the terrific accomplishments of our sisters, aunties, mothers, and extraordinary women who paved the way for African communities in New York City. #WomenHistoryMonth2019

Today, I highlight a legend of legends. A woman who has created a path for dialogue and community building through music, dance, food, and art. It’s no other than Joyce Adewumi

Joyce Adewumi is founder of the New York African Chorus Ensemble, Inc. the chairperson for the Arts and Culture Committee in Manhattan Community Board 9 and the vice president of the 30th Precinct Community Council. She founded the NYACE as a nonprofit organization in 2004. Throughout the year, students can participate in the programs’ workshops, conferences, seminars and festivals. The students range from children to adults of different ethnic backgrounds. The NYACE has won many prestigious awards for their conferences and festivals, such as the 2012 Blue Heart Award in Berlin, Germany, for organizing the Celebrate Diversity Celebrate You Multicultural Festival; a 2013 Congressional Proclamation from the United States House of Representatives given by former Congressman Charles Rangel and a 2014 citation from City Council Member Mark Levine.

The first festival was held in 2010 at Jackie Robinson Park (bandshell) and St. Nicholas Avenue between 141st and 145th streets. At the festivals, more than 80 countries showcased, along with arts and crafts, food and merchandise vendors. Now the festival occurs on Saturdays in June at Jackie Robinson Park. Stay tuned for the upcoming festival this summer. 
For more information about NYACE, go to nyafricanensemble.com.

She hails from Nigeria #AfricanWomenLeadNYC #HerstoryMonth