Mariama Whyte

Mariama Whyte (ASHLEE) is a dynamic actress/singer/songwriter/arts educator and is excited to be making her debut at Dobama Theatre in Dance Nation. Mariama recently performed in the highly acclaimed Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone at Karamu House. She has played leading roles in the Broadway National Tours of The Color Purple (Nettie, Celie understudy) and Disney’s The Lion King (Rafiki and Shenzi understudy). Mariama has appeared at The Cleveland Play House in productions of The Amen Corner, The Nolan Williams Project (NGTF) and In The Groove and Over The Top (Fusion Fest). A graduate of Shaker Heights High School and The College of Wooster, Mariama has performed on the Oprah Winfrey Show, shared the stage with world-renowned music producer David Foster and has opened for acclaimed recording artists such as Stephanie Mills and Jeff Bradshaw. As a recording artist, she has released various projects including her EP, “Find Your Light” and is currently working on her full length album, “Hey You It’s Me.” Mariama has been featured in various regional commercials, modeling ads and independent films. As a teaching artist, she has worked with Playhouse Square, Cleveland Play House, Cleveland Public Theatre, and West Side Community House. Growing up, Mariama trained at Karamu House, Cleveland Institute of Music and the Music School Settlement. Proud member of Actor’s Equity Association.  Thank you to Dobama, my family, and Cleveland! www.mariamawhyte.com