News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Jaja's African Hair Braiding Broadway

Jaja's African Hair Braiding 2023

Ages: 16+
Opened: October 3, 2023
Closing: November 19, 2023

Jaja's African Hair Braiding - 2023 Broadway History , Info & More

Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (Broadway)
261 W. 47th St. New York, NY 10036

This dazzling world premiere from Jocelyn Bioh welcomes you into Jaja’s bustling hair braiding salon in Harlem where every day, a lively and eclectic group of West African immigrant hair braiders are creating masterpieces on the heads of neighborhood women. During one sweltering summer day, love will blossom, dreams will flourish and secrets will be revealed. The uncertainty of their circumstances simmers below the surface of their lives and when it boils over, it forces this tight-knit community to confront what it means to be an outsider on the edge of the place they call home.


Jaja's African Hair Braiding - 2023 - Broadway Cast

Get Jaja's African Hair Braiding Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Jaja's African Hair Braiding

In Jocelyn Bioh’s sparkling new show, hair braiding is irresistible art
8 / 10

The playwright does at the end of this wickedly entertaining evening give in to the urge to highlight her characters’ plights a bit too baldly (sorry). Other than that, though, she and White so skillfully orchestrate her workplace comedy that you’re put in mind of the beauty parlor in “Steel Magnolias,” or, more potently, of a master such as August Wilson portraying the cabbies dispatched from a Pittsburgh storefront in “Jitney.”

Review: ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ on Broadway is a lively slice of life, one braid at a time
9 / 10

You don’t need to be a Black woman with braids to enjoy this play: heck, it might teach you something about the intricacies of a craft you only have observed from afar. But this play is also trying to reach a Black audience, long ignored by Broadway. It took producers a while, but there are signs in this still-young season that many have finally figured out that many of the audience members they want to reach are not looking for dramas about pain, aimed mostly at white audiences, but instead want affirmative experiences that offer laughs at human foibles and celebrate doing something really well, day in, day out. “Jaja’s” is a comedy about life as it is lived in this place, about community, aspiration and entrepreneurship. Mostly, though, it’s a show about immigrants getting the job done, and having fun doing it, one braid at a time.

Interview: Broadway's Newest Power Producer, LaChanze, Talks JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING and More
by A.A. Cristi - November 12, 2023


One of Broadway's best, Tony Award-winner LaChanze, has broken the fourth wall and crossing the footlights to perform a new role- producer. Read our interview with this theatrical legend!

JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING to Live Stream Final Week of Broadway Run
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 30, 2023


The League of Live Stream Theater will partner with Manhattan Theatre Club to present the Broadway sensation Jaja's African Hair Braiding via live stream.

Video: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING
by Red Carpet - October 16, 2023


The world premiere of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) and directed by Whitney White just opened last week. In this video, watch as stars walk the red carpet.

JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Extended Through Late November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 12, 2023


Get the latest updates on JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, the hit Broadway show that has been extended. Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING on stage.

Video: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING's Nana Mensah Is On the Rise!
by Candace Cordelia - October 15, 2023


An incredible ensemble of actors makes up the cast of Broadway's most exciting new play- Jocelyn Bioh's Jaja's African Hair Braiding. One of them is Nana Mensah. In this video, watch as she checks in with BroadwayWorld's Candace Cordelia to chat about bringing Bioh's incredible new work to Broadway.

Photos: Taraji P. Henson, Noah Centineo & More Arrive on the Red Carpet for JAJA's AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING
by Bruce Glikas - October 6, 2023


Check out photos from the opening night red carpet of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh.

Photos: JAJA's AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Cast Celebrates Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - October 5, 2023


It's been a big week at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, where MTC just celebrated opening night of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Check out photos from the after party here!

Video: Go Inside Opening Night of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING
by Opening Night - October 5, 2023


It's been a big week at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, where MTC just celebrated opening night of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the special occasion and you can go inside the festivities with Richard Ridge in this video.

Photos: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Cast Walks the Red Carpet on Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - October 4, 2023


Jaja’s African Hair Braiding officially opened last night, October 3, at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Performances run through Sunday, November 5. Check out photos from inside the festivities here!

Photos: The Cast of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - October 4, 2023


Jaja’s African Hair Braiding officially opened last night, October 3, at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Check out photos of the cast taking their opening night bows here!

Review Roundup: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - October 3, 2023


Jaja’s African Hair Braiding opens tonight at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Read the reviews!

Words From The Wings: Brittany Adebumola of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Talks Backstage Rituals, Moments, and More!
by Stephi Wild - October 11, 2023


BroadwayWorld is bringing you Words From the Wings, a new series of interviews that take fans behind the scenes of some of their favorite Broadway stars' backstage routines! Today we're chatting with Brittany Adebumola from Jaja's African Hair Braiding.

Video: Watch Highlights from JAJA's AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING on Broadway
by Show Highlights - September 28, 2023


Watch video highlights of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, which opens October 3, 2023 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre !

JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Extends Broadway Engagement Through Early November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 28, 2023


JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING's Broadway engagement has been extended. Now running through early November. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Photos: First Look at JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 22, 2023


Check out photos of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING on Broadway! Learn how to purchase tickets!

Character Breakdown: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Cast Unpacks Their Roles
by Nicole Rosky - September 17, 2023


In this video, watch as the cast of Jocelyn Bioh's Jaja's African Hair Braiding unpacks their roles ahead of opening night on Broadway!

Meet the Cast of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!
by Stephi Wild - September 12, 2023


Jaja's African Hair Braiding will begin previews tonight, Tuesday, September 12 and open on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Meet the cast of Jaja's African Hair Braiding here!

JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Will Offer Post-Show Talkback Series
by Stephi Wild - September 6, 2023


The world premiere of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding begins previews next week. Learn more about the upcoming post-show talkbacks!

Video: The Company of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Meets the Press!
by A.A. Cristi - August 18, 2023


Rehearsals are now underway for the world premiere of Jaja's African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) and directed by Whitney White (Our Dear Dead Drug Lord).

Photos: Meet the Cast of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING
by Jennifer Broski - August 17, 2023


Rehearsals are now underway for the world premiere of Jaja's African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White. The company just met the press and you can check out photos from inside the big day here!

Up on the Marquee: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING
by Jennifer Broski - August 9, 2023


Check out new photos of the Broadway marquee for the world premiere of Jaja's African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) and directed by Whitney White (Our Dear Dead Drug Lord).

Tickets Are on Sale Now For JAJA's AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - August 9, 2023


Ttickets are now on sale for the world premiere of Jaja's African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) and directed by Whitney White (Our Dear Dead Drug Lord).

Full Cast Revealed For JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING
by Stephi Wild - July 27, 2023


The full cast has been announced for the world premiere of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White. Find out who is starring in the world premiere here!

LaChanze, Taraji P. Henson & Madison Wells Live Join JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Producing Team
by Chloe Rabinowitz - July 25, 2023


Get all the details about the exciting partnership between MTC, Madison Wells Live, LaChanze, and Taraji P. Henson for the upcoming production of JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING. Find out when and where you can catch this groundbreaking collaboration that promises to captivate audiences this fall.

Jaja's African Hair Braiding FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long has Jaja's African Hair Braiding been running on Broadway?
Jaja's African Hair Braiding opened at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (Broadway) on Tuesday Oct 03, 2023 and has now been running for 1 month.

Jaja's African Hair Braiding History

Other Productions of Jaja's African Hair Braiding

2023   Broadway Manhattan Theatre Club Original Broadway Production
Broadway

Jaja's African Hair Braiding - 2023 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2024 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play Brittany Adebumola
2024 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Play Jocelyn Bioh
2024 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Wig and Hair Nikiya Mathis
2024 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Zenzi Williams
2024 Drama League Awards Outstanding Direction of a Play Whitney White
2024 Drama League Awards Outstanding Production of a Play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Costume Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Dede Ayite
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Play Jocelyn Bioh
2024 Tony Awards Best Costume Design of a Play Dede Ayite
2024 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Play Whitney White
2024 Tony Awards Best Play Jocelyn Bioh
2024 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design of a Play David Zinn
2024 Tony Awards Best Sound Design of a Play Justin Ellington

Videos