A member of an internationally appreciated Senegalese musician family, Cheick Cissokho has received the traditional “jali” musician’s education since an early age. His father Solo Cissokho was among the highest ranked kora-harp virtuosos in the world. The Cissokho family has been dedicated to practicing the art of kora since the 13th century.

In Finland, Cheick is known both as a kora player and a percussionist. He has studied djembe rhythms with also the world famous Mamady Keita in Senegal. In addition to performing, Cheick teaches both kora and djembe both privately and in various educational institutions and intensive courses (e.g. University of Arts /Sibelius Academy, Kassandra ry / Kulttuuriyhdistämö Interkult).

Cheick plays in several bands both in Finland and abroad, such as Nordic Griots, Sila Fato, Maarika & the Frocodiles, Afro Chamber Music, Mama Africa, Cheick Trio, Badinkunda.

Siku is a young and determined producer, choreographer, performer and dance teacher. Siku has danced a variety of different genres all her life including street, afrobeat, salsa, vogue, dancehall and ballet. For the last 6 years, Siku has focused most on twerk and afrobeats, competing in national and international championships and often traveling to Tanzania and beyond to develop her dancing skills and partake in crosscultural collaborations exploring the impact of dance on identities and communities.

When teaching, Siku brings out the culture and roots of dance. Through dance, Siku wants to inspire and give back to her students. She believes that the best dance experience comes when you throw yourself in and dare to challenge yourself outside of your comfort zone. Her goal is to create community through dance, to touch people by showing what afrodance is and how much dance matters.

Lokoko, originally from the Congo, teaches afrobeats, amapiano and ndombolo. Lokoko has been teaching dance for 2 years. Among other things, he is patient, conscientious, hardworking, unyielding and responsible. Lokoko is active, self-initiative, forward-looking and willing to learn, as well as social and friendly.

As a teacher, Lokoko is driven by his students to make his session more beneficial for all. His foundation is in cultural and humane understanding, and when teaching and sharing about dance, he focuses on the acceptance of one’s own body, positive self-esteem and good health. He has a wide range of knowledge about the entire field of dance art as well as in-depth knowledge and training experience. He always pays attention on the needs and interests of all students.

Absa Mbaye is a Senegalese dancer and dance teacher who grew up with sabar. She also dances other West African styles as well as contemporary afro dances, and has performed both in her home country and across Europe. Absa is an experienced, versatile and energetic teacher who brings joy, creativity and an encouraging atmosphere.

Eben is a Ghanaian professional acrobat and dancer. Dancing has always been a part of his life, He has been dancing since he was little. At the age of 12, he began performing and traveling around the country with the legendary Ghana Dance Ensemble. Eben is specialises in in afro styles. Eben has also been spotted on the Talent Suomi program(2020), where he presented his amazing dance and acrobat skills.

Eben is a passionate dance instructor who enjoys seeing students develop and challenge themselves. “In my class, I push the students to their limit without forgetting the fun and enjoyment of dance. In the class I’m going to break the steps and teach it in a way that everybody will enjoy and have fun. Many afro Dance steps will be thought and end up with a juicy choreo. You dont wanna miss out the fun, looking forward to meet you all.” he says.

Pamzy is an award-winning dance instructor and performer from Cameroon, known for her dynamic style and versatility. With over 10 years of experience, she has toured several African countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Togo where she performed and judged high-profile events, concerts, and competitions. Pamzy’s passion for dance began at age two and by five, she won her first dance competition in Limbe, Cameroon.

In 2015, Pamzy transitioned professionally, founding Kamer Great Dancers, an all-female group that quickly gained recognition, performing with A-list Cameroonian artists and winning Best Dance Crew at the 2018 Ngea Awards in the USA. She relocated to Ghana in 2020 to deepen her Afrobeat knowledge, later moving to Finland in 2022, where she has since performed on major stages, including opening for artists Ruger and Ayra Starr.

Pamzy’s dance expertise spans Afrobeat, Ndombolo, Amapiano, Makossa, Bikutsi, Mbole, Azonto and she is known for her Afrofusion style, blending traditional and contemporary African dance forms. She teaches Afro dance in schools and dance studios across Helsinki continuing her commitment to celebrating and sharing African culture through dance.