UNIVERSAL AFRICAN DANCE & DRUM ENSEMBLE, founded and directed by Robert and wife Wanda Dickerson in 1984 and co-directed by their oldest son Jamal and wife Ronsha Dickerson, son Nasir Dickerson, daughters Atiya Johnson-Dickerson and husband Dwayne Johnson and Ayanna Dickerson,  has grown to be one of the largest professional African Dance & Drum Ensembles in the United States of America.  The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble headquartered in Camden, New Jersey which includes members from Camden, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Africa.  This troupe has been taught by the best traditional and authentic African teachers, scholars and historians as well as great African American teachers since their beginning.   Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble is blessed by having one of the best African Dance Teacher and (Djeli) Scholar, YALANI BANGOURA, from West Africa, Guinea daily on staff.  They have made great accomplishments with their authentic, traditional, sensational, electrifying and amazing performances of Stilt Walkers, Dancers, Drummers, Ground Masquerades, Drama and a very exciting Acrobatic Show. The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble has performed at many prominent and prestigious events, including performing for and honoring leaders of countries, celebrities, politicians, religious, business and community leaders all over America and abroad in the Caribbean of Trinidad & Tobago and Africa. They have also represented the beauty of African culture by performing and being viewed by millions on cable, local, national and international television.

             Blessed and sanctioned to be one of the BEST and the most exciting African Dance and Drum ensembles in the USA.  In addition the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble were chosen and endorsed by world renowned historians, scholars and artists in America and Africa to represent the USA at the World Festival of Black Arts and Culture (FESMAN) in Dakar, Senegal, Africa in December 2010, where over 80 nations presented their best.  At this historical event Universal performed in Saint-Louis, Goree Island, Dakar, Senegal, AFRICA.   All 72 active members of the Dance & Drum Ensemble are advanced Martial Artists (Karate) practitioners, and many are local, national and world Karate champions.

            Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble has been blessed with 5 outstanding stilt walkers along with the famous stilt walker, Pasha the Stilt walker who is also considered by scholars as one of the best stilt walkers in America. It is tradition that the masquerade or the stilt walker's identity remains a mystery. Nevertheless, we will inform you that he is a 6th Degree Master Black Belt, National and World Karate Champion and is also a graduate at the UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a Master's Degree in Music Education.