Formed in 1998 as one of the only all-women Taiko groups in North America,  RAW is a Taiko drumming group that exists as a critical response and challenge to both systemic and internalized oppressions. Through performance, education, and community outreach, we seek to challenge, redefine and represent ourselves, and to inspire others. Through collective membership, artistic creation, and active development, we carve space for self-expression, authentic engagement, community, and empowerment.  Our collective’s mandate is to use the amplified voice that our drumming gives us to promote equality and leadership for women, and to present a vivid counterexample to the stereotyped image of the Asian female as meek or submissive.  Instead, we portray Asian women as powerful, both physically and as leaders.

RAW has performed at a wide variety of events including Pride celebrations in Toronto and Buffalo NY, Dim Sum Chinese Festival at Harbourfront Centre as part of World Routes 2007, Muhtadi International Drumming Festival in Toronto and Tobago, Rhythm Positive as part of the AIDS 2006 / XVI International AIDS Conference, Mayworks Festival of Working People and the Arts, Toronto’s WinterCity Festival, Labour union conventions, International Women’s Day events, art festivals… and more!  In July of 2012, RAW organized the first Toronto Taiko Festival!