Rujeko Dumbutshena is a Zimbabwean-born dancer, educator, and performer specializing in neo-traditional and contemporary African dance. A 2022 Global Fellow and Assistant Professor at UF, her work explores gender, power, and ritual. A Broadway original in FELA!, Rujeko’s artistry has reached stages from the Smithsonian to global festivals. With 20+ years of teaching, she continues to shape the future of African dance in the Diaspora.

Youssouf Koumbassa is a world-renowned master of Guinea-style African dance, former principal artist of Ballet Djoliba, and student of legends like Sekouba Camara and Kemoko Sano. With over 13 years in Guinea’s top national companies and international tours across 15+ countries, Youssouf brings unmatched expertise, cultural depth, and passion to every class. Now based in the U.S., he continues to uplift, teach, and inspire dancers around the globe.

Babacar M’Baye, born in Dakar, Senegal, is a master Sabar dancer and teacher from a renowned griot family. Trained from childhood, he performs with his family’s ensemble, Sing Sing Rhythms. Since moving to the U.S. in 1994, he has taught and performed across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe at venues like Lincoln Center, the Apollo, and the UN. Babacar also teaches weekly at Alvin Ailey, sharing the powerful rhythms and spirit of Senegal with the world.

Kelly S. White is a dynamic master teacher, performer, and choreographer from New Orleans, LA. With a BFA in Dance and an MA from NYU, she has trained under legends like Jean Leon Destiné and Nia Love. Kelly has performed with top companies and graced stages from Jacob’s Pillow to New Waves Trinidad. Her powerful choreography and passionate teaching have inspired dancers at Alvin Ailey, NOCCA, Djoniba Dance Center, and beyond.

Meet Natacha Zamor, founder of Orijin Foundation and creator of TampaBay Afrofit—a wellness movement blending Afro-Caribbean culture, dance, and health. With 30+ years of training in ballet, jazz, Haitian folklore, Chakacha, and Mutuashi, and 27 years as an orthopedic RN, Natacha merges movement with wellness and safety. Her high-energy classes reflect her passion, precision, and cultural integrity. Her motto: “Dancing is a conversation—learn the words before creating sentences.”

Aboubacar “Amo” Soumah is a master djembe drummer from Conakry, Guinea, and former director of the renowned Gbassikolo Drum and Dance Company. Since arriving in the U.S. in 2006, he has performed with top African drum and dance ensembles nationwide. Now based in Gainesville, FL, Amo serves as Musical Director of Agbedidi and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Florida, sharing his deep-rooted rhythm and cultural expertise with students and communities across the country.

Nko Fallou Fall is a master drummer, dancer, singer, and choreographer from Senegal, and founder of Troupe Fall West Afrikan Drum and Dance. Rooted in his rich musical heritage since childhood, Fallou has performed and choreographed across the U.S. for DanceAfrica, Delou Africa, ACDT, and universities nationwide. His electrifying presence and cultural mastery continue to uplift and inspire communities through rhythm, movement, and spirit.

Abraham “Baba Abe” Rodriguez Jr., a New York City native, is a master percussionist and vocalist renowned in the Latin jazz scene. As a member of Grupo Folklórico y Experimental Nuevayorquino and The Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Ensemble, he has collaborated with legends like Orlando “Puntilla” Ríos and Celia Cruz. Baba Abe has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and has led workshops at institutions such as Columbia University and Berklee College of Music. His discography features acclaimed recordings like “Arawe” with Daniel Ponce and “Pa’ Que Nadie Me Olvide” with Ray Santiago. An initiated Yoruba priest, Baba Abe embodies the spiritual depth of Afro-Cuban traditions in his music and teachings.

Magatte Sow is a three-time GRAMMY Award-winning master percussionist and composer, featured on the iconic scores of Black Panther and Wakanda Forever. Hailing from Senegal, he has performed with legends like Stevie Wonder, Angelique Kidjo, Earth Wind & Fire, and Youssou N’Dour. Sponsored by Latin Percussion, Magatte has graced stages from Carnegie Hall to global festivals, inspiring audiences with powerful rhythms rooted in tradition and excellence.

Aboubacar “Baba Abou” Camara is a master griot and tryi balafon virtuoso from Conakry, Guinea. A former director with Guinea’s National Ballet and artist with the National Ballet of Senegal, his musical mastery has graced stages across West Africa and the U.S. Since 2000, he’s performed with top African dance ensembles and now serves as an accompanist at the University of Florida. Baba Abou’s artistry preserves tradition while inspiring generations through rhythm and story.

Adama Tall is a 33-year-old master of the dundun, djembe, and talking drums from Senegal. With over 15 years of experience, he has performed nationwide, including DanceAfrica 2021, Delou Africa, and cities like NYC, Boston, and Tallahassee. Passionate about unity through rhythm, Adama uses his drumming to bridge the cultural divide and bring healing across the African diaspora.

Osubi Craig is a distinguished arts administrator, educator, and traditional African percussionist. Serving as the inaugural Director of the Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida, he champions cultural innovation and community engagement. A proud alumnus of Florida A&M University, Osubi seamlessly blends his engineering background with a passion for the arts, fostering transformative programs that bridge diverse communities.

Shawn Lawrence, from Hollywood, Florida, is a dynamic performer and passionate advocate for African arts and culture. Dedicated to preserving African drumming and dance, he has collaborated with numerous artists and organizations through workshops, performances, and events. Known for his infectious energy and commitment to youth education, Shawn is a beloved figure in the arts community, inspiring the next generation through culture and rhythm.

Nicho Spivey is a passionate percussionist who began drumming at age 5 and pursued it seriously as a teen, unlocking opportunities to travel and study globally. His journey has taken him to Guinea, Morocco, Haiti, France, and Canada, deepening his connection to African diasporic rhythms. Nicho has performed with renowned companies such as Legacy Arts Project, ACDC, Urban Afrikaans, Delou Africa, and Sankofa, sharing his vibrant energy and global experience through his craft.