(Photo:  www.amazoneswomandrummers.com)

The closing dinner for BET Networks’ Leading Women Defined conference concluded with remarks from Chairman and CEO Debra Lee Tuesday night, but if a conversation with Tamron Hall and Regina King was all the conference attendees thought they would have in store for the evening, they were in for a big surprise.

As Lee said goodnight, curtains to an adjoining room opened almost simultaneously and Nimbaya!, a group of female drummers and dancers who hail from the West African nation of Guinea, took the stage and set the tone for part two of the fun-filled night.

The pioneering group of women are the first to gather and play a traditionally male-dominated instrument featured in most West African drumming, the djembe. Not only did they tear their drums up, but a bright, spring-colored fashion show took place to the beat of the drums as well. Amidst crowd dancing and the visual of African-type garments and tribal make-up, there was no denying that all in the room were reminded of the royalty of their African roots.

The 2012 conference officially wrapped on Wednesday morning, but the memories and new friendships the women gained over the past few days are sure to last a lifetime.

For more on the events that happened during the conference, visit www.BET.com/lwd.

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