Precocious, generous and inquisitive, M’ma-Syrai is sixty pounds of sensation waiting for the world to know her name. Practically growing up in the limelight at the Lula Washington Dance Theatre (where the namesake calls her “The Professor”), M’ma-Syrai has taken her next big step towards becoming a household name.

Audiences, directors and casting agents have hailed Mma-Syrai as “brilliant,” “charming” and “entertaining.” Mma-Syrai brings her unique combination of wit, whimsy and intelligence to her work as an actress/dancer/artist.

Originally from Los Angeles, this young SAG talent has appeared in commercials for Mercedes, Nokia, Kraft Mac and Cheese, Famous Footwear and Walmart twice.  Mma-Syrai recently starred in the web series, Candyland, which is currently in post-production. She was also featured in a commercial for Children’s Defense Fund, where she used her sensitivity and poise to beg viewers not to give up on children. She has performed in a host of dance recitals, stage productions of “The Wiz” and “Peter Pan,” and is as comfortable on stage at Los Angeles’ Luckman Fine Arts Complex or El Camino College, smiling brightly into the bright lights, as she is in her own colorfully decorated bedroom.

Mma-Syrai’s early training as a performer began with tap and hip-hop dance classes at Lula Washington Dance Theatre. She also studied the characters in her favorite movies and Saturday morning cartoons. Her fascination with storytelling quickly translated into her imaginative writing, dinner theatre performances and training at the Acting Spot in Los Angeles. She’s received training in ballet, tap, African and hip hop dance styles, as well as receiving instruction in voice, gymnastics and piano. “I like a chance to do new things,” she said simply.

M’ma-Syrai’s no slouch in the academic department, winning admission into three prestigious west Los Angeles private schools based on her “take no prisoners” attitude towards her scholastic life and the effervescence of her personality.

Despite the savvy she shows at such a young age, M’ma-Syrai remains a sweet and unspoiled personality. Supported by parents who encourage but don’t push her, she’s decided for herself that expressing herself as an entertainer is what she wants, and she’s ecstatic to work towards her dreams.