Samara Atkins
Choreographer
Oakland | USA
Samara Atkins is an Oakland native and has been dancing, performing, and teaching hip-hop since 1999. Her mission is to utilize dance as a somatic tool for expressing, celebrating, addressing, coping, connecting, translating, and healing from our lived experiences. Samara is Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Mix'd Ingrdnts, with a mission to educate, inspire, and empower women, youth, and the community. She and her crew have been featured in various news articles, numerous dance festivals and awards, on the Harry Connick Jr. show, and KQED. She's also choreographer, member, and singer of the two-time GRAMMY-nominated children's music group, Alphabet Rockers.
Tango Leadaz
Choreographer
Los Angeles | USA
Tango Leadaz is a Los Angeles based movement instructor, choreographer and actor that has quickly made a name for himself as one of the leading choreographers for authentic Dancehall in LA. With well over ten years of Dancehall experience, he uses his extensive Dancehall vocabulary and knowledge to spread joy and help bring awareness to the culture. He is the creator of globally popular Dancehall moves such as "Good Chemistry," which was used by major artists such as Chris Brown and Omarion, and "Get Use to It," which was globally performed by the one and only Beyoncé during Coachella and OTR2 tour. Described as being "animated" and "full of life" he is gaining notoriety for his high energy classes, flavorful choreography and creative skits. Tango Leadaz performs worldwide and has taught workshops in the United States, Asia, Canada, South America and Europe. Because of his ability to create amazing vibes and good energy, whether in a party or on set, he has been dubbed the Vibes Architect. Tango Leadaz’s credits include choreographing Omarion’s “Distance” and “W4W” and featuring in performance/music videos for Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Black Eye Peas, and Gwen Stefani, to name a few.
King Drewwskyy
Comedian/Actor/Director
Houston | Nigeria
King Drew also known as King Drewwskyy is a Comedian, Actor, Director, Videographer and overall Creative. He is co-CEO of the entertainment company called Wowo Boyz founded in 2013.
King Drew is one of the pioneers of African comedy across the diaspora and has over 1000 comedy skits online. He has had the opportunity to open for Basketmouth, Davido, WizKid and others. King Drew continues to travel the world displaying his God-given talent performing at Colleges, Comedy Shows, Weddings, Concerts and other events.
Born and raised in Nigeria, King Drew moved to the USA in 2008 to further his education completing his Bachelor's in Environmental Health. King Drew aspiration is to become a super model as he believes he can make it big in the fashion industry with his popular slogan "I can make anything look good".
King Drew continues to prove his versatility as an Entertainer and is ready to take over the world...
But first, Welcome to His World.
Inez Schynell
Model/ Entrepreneur/ Business owner/ Dancer
San Francisco | USA
My name is Inez Schynell Boissiere born and raised here in San Francisco. I am a 22 year old dancer and business owner. Through my passion for performing I found dance. From Ballet to Modern Jazz to Afro Urban Dance and Hip hop. A 22 year old dancer and business owner. Ctrl Galore is my baby. We at CTRL GALORE have a mission to empower our customers to own their fierce and vivacious personality while taking risk and setting lash trends! I birthed my business in 2018.
Chyke.Nd and Kris Rhymes (THISnTHAT Podcast)
THISnTHAT Podcast
Nigeria/ South Phoenix | Nigeria/USA
ThisnThat podcast is a debate/conversation on social, political, sports, entertainment and trending topics of our generation. We go in depth on the issues hopefully to spark dialogue and invoke the important conversations that need to be had through our opinionated perspectives served with a side of humor.
DJ Leydis
DJ/Activist
Oakland | Cuba
Born and raised in Cuba, DJ Leydis combines contemporary hits with a distinct fusion of Latin flavors, R&B classics, and roots reggae blends. Involved in the Cuban hip-hop movement since its inception, DJ Leydis helped organize some of the country’s most respected and best-attended events and community programs. In 2005 she cofounded Omegas Kilay, a hip-hop theater collective in Havana focused on presenting the poetry, music, experiences, and perspectives of artists such as DJ Yari, Danay Suarez, Nono, La LLave De IPG, La Negra, and Las Krudas. DJ Leydis co-created the first all-female DJ mixtape in Cuba, contributing a special blend of new flavor and spirit to the international community. In 2006 DJ Leydis migrated to United States to expand upon her work as a DJ and has worked with Erykah Badu, Quest Love of the Roots, and other iconic US-based artists.
Gbedu Town Radio
Dance/Music
Planet Bakanal
Over-articulated and barely translated, ‘Gbedu Town Radio’ is a Pan Afro-Urban Drumline & Dance Squad for the culture featuring a dynamic group of performers of diverse African heritage. GTR explores social themes through popular and folkloric rhythms, dance, and expressions with the stylings of Afrobeats, Dancehall, Reggaeton, Coupé-Décalé, Southern & Bay Area Hip hop.
Blackcherry
Dancer/Choreographer
Paris | Central Africa Republic
BlackCherry: Dancer and teacher. She began to dance when she was child. After many years of dance, she shares now her experiences of African culture and dance.
ReginEld Edmonds
Poet
Oakland | USA
Reggie Edmonds (They/Them) is a poet, educator, and cultural curator based out of Richmond, CA. They are the co-founder of Rich Oak Events which organizes the Oakland Poetry Slam, the Berkeley Poetry Slam, the Rich Oak Alchemy Slam, and the online platform Bay Poets Unite. Their poetry can be found in Rigorous Magazine, Stentorian Bitch, Foglifter Journal, and 2 self published chapbooks I’m Too Black for the Shxt (2017), and Sad Boi (2019).
Kalif (GALAKTiQ)
Recording Artist
Houston | NIgeria
Kalif Bakare, born and raised in Alief, Texas is a former Division 1 basketball player, fashion connoisseur, musician/producer, creative director, actor, & model. A jack of all trades, he has always managed to trend-set and stay ahead of the curve. He is the Co-Founder of GF Universal, LLC in which he created the imprint to house his business, humanitarian, and creative interests.
As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, “serving and transcending all” has always been a facet of his. Annual events are curated for the betterment of the youth and community as part of GF Universal Community Outreach program.
With a degree in Business Administration from University of Texas-San Antonio, Kalif is balancing his service for others, business ventures, and his artistic vision to cultivate a crossover appeal that is rare while positively impacting all corners of the world.
DJ Kream
DJ/Vibe Vanguard
Oakland | USA
Bijou McDaniel is an Oakland native who is making a name for herself in the local scene with her signature genre-mixing DJ style. After attending The Academy of Art in San Francisco and working various jobs from Visual Merchandiser to Non-profit Development Fundraiser, Bijou acted on one of her life-long passions and turned it into art form never looking back. Since her debut at the Oakhella Festival which she also Co-Founded, DJ Kream has curated grooves at nightclubs, art receptions, day parties, festivals, and corporate events.
Keena Azania Romano
Visual Artist/Muralist
Oakland/Richmond | USA
Keena Azania Romano exercises her creative mind through the exploration of diverse artistic mediums as a way to engage and understand individual and collective purpose. Romano received her BFA from Pomona College then returned to her native Bay Area to pursue a career in the Arts. Her Murals can be spotted from Sacramento, California to Oaxaca, Mexico.
Inspired by cultural practices, Romano combines spirituality with urban experience to produce work that draws upon the quest for a greater understanding of intersectional beauty in this world. She fuses traditional native arts with contemporary inner-city techniques to reflect a new language that encourages the healing and empowerment process between community members and their environments. Her style is described as “vibrant and insightful”.
She aspires to travel and create a colorful trail of art by exploring the modern Diaspora based on her multi-ethnic experience.
Tango Leadaz
Choreographer
Los Angeles | USA
Tango Leadaz is a Los Angeles based movement instructor, choreographer and actor that has quickly made a name for himself as one of the leading choreographers for authentic Dancehall in LA. With well over ten years of Dancehall experience, he uses his extensive Dancehall vocabulary and knowledge to spread joy and help bring awareness to the culture. He is the creator of globally popular Dancehall moves such as "Good Chemistry," which was used by major artists such as Chris Brown and Omarion, and "Get Use to It," which was globally performed by the one and only Beyoncé during Coachella and OTR2 tour. Described as being "animated" and "full of life" he is gaining notoriety for his high energy classes, flavorful choreography and creative skits. Tango Leadaz performs worldwide and has taught workshops in the United States, Asia, Canada, South America and Europe. Because of his ability to create amazing vibes and good energy, whether in a party or on set, he has been dubbed the Vibes Architect. Tango Leadaz’s credits include choreographing Omarion’s “Distance” and “W4W” and featuring in performance/music videos for Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Black Eye Peas, and Gwen Stefani, to name a few.
Agyakomah
Music Artist
NYC | Ghana
Agyakomah is an artist-singer-songwriter that utilizes her cultural background and unique upbringing as a young first-generation woman to create music that reflects her story. What she categorizes as Afrofusion, not only represents her West African and R&B/Soul blend, but the outcome of a fusion of different lifestyles, languages, experiences and generational stories that is highlighted in her artistry. Agyakomah pushes boundaries of the African narrative by creating stories reflective of the everyday experiences of young Africans like herself who may reside on or off the continent.
She recently performed alongside artists across the world by participating in the The Great Lockdown Online Music Festival, and has released music consistently throughout the year. Her latest single, “Pay Me What You Owe” calls out employers by detailing the realities of post-grad life, for a young professional and the frustrations behind feeling undervalued. She aims to close out 2020 with the new collaboration and drop of her debut EP.
David SNIPES
Choreographer
Lagos | Nigeria
David Amaechina also known as SNIPES is a multifaceted performing artist based in Lagos, Nigeria. A dance artiste and choreographer whose major style is Afro fusion, which includes various African dance styles. He is one of the executives of popular dance revolution movement called Afrocan where thriving dancers perform in "Bázuté” jam sessions towards creating a community for dancers in an unrepresented environment.
His work revolves around situational dynamism in an African context. His performances are mined recreation from memory, contemporary folklore and appropriated global culture as experienced by him, his work intends to create nostalgia with the artistic devices of cultural landmarks. His work involves use of set design as an architectural sculpture where memory is relived with relating sound, lighting and slight drama.
Caroline Ngorobi
Theatre Producer/Performer
Mombasa | Kenya
Caroline Ngorobi is a theatre producer and performer from Mombasa Kenya. She joined the theatre scene in 2005 in Nairobi as an actor featuring in a number of stage plays, films and has been a voice artist with Deutsche Welle. She believes every experience is a story waiting to be told.
She moved to Mombasa where founded Jukwaa Arts Productions in 2015. Since then she has worked as a producer and performer. Her work fuses drama, movement and poetry. She uses applied theatre to tell contemporary stories. She has began experimenting with physical theatre to promote and preserve culture while exploring its intersection with emerging and popular culture. Her work involves using the transformative tool of theatre to evoke emotions and provoke thought on touchy subjects like sexual harassment, juvenile crime and taboos in the African Culture.
In 2018, she presented a performance at the Bagamoyo International Festival of Arts and Culture in Tanzania which was facilitated by a grant from the British Council. Through a grant from Art Moves Africa, she was able to be part of the Producers Academy in Belgium and the Kunstenfestivaldesarts in 2019.
Kelly Greenlight
Ritual Performance Artist/Organizer
Nairobi | USA
Currently based in Nairobi, Kenya, Kelly 'GreenLight' Thomas is a ritual performance artist, wellness worker and cultural organizer. A New Jersey girl with roots in Alabama and The Commonwealth of Dominica, Kelly is currently pulling from her diverse cultural background to build a body of children’s music that addresses positive self esteem, cultivating healthy relationships and embracing the natural world. For over a decade, Kelly has been creating music & performance around emotional health, women’s narratives, and nature. As a performance artist, Kelly conceives interactive & transcendent arts experiences that activate her background in gender studies, theater, group dynamics, Afro-Diasporic cultural practice, and holistic healing.
Kelly is the foundress of Black Arts Retreat, a community arts organization which focuses on exploring African diasporic art and culture, communing with nature and holistic wellness through retreats, workshops and affinity groups in the US, digitally and around the world. Through Black Arts Retreat, Kelly has facilitated groups in Bahia, Brazil Berlin, Germany and throughout Haiti since 2016. Kelly holds a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Theater from NYU's Steinhardt School and a Sound and Music Integrated Practitioner Credential from the New York Open Center
Tshepiso Mabula ka Ndongeni
Photography
Johannesburg | South Africa
Tshepiso Mabula is a photographer and writer born in the Lephalale district of Limpopo, South Africa. Mabula’s interest in photography sparked when visiting a family member she was introduced to photographer Santu Mofokeng’s work. This Led to her studying photojournalism and documentary photography at the Market Photo Workshop, Johannesburg where she became a recipient of the Tierney fellowship in 2018./ where she received the 2018 Tierney fellowship.