Enock “ Brotha.e” Kadima
Korma Aguh-stuckmayer
Youssouf koumbassa
2026 solo Collaborators
Commissioned for Alhassane “Sana” Bangoura
In 1985, Koumbassa relocated to the United States to share his expertise with a global audience. For the past 41 years, he has taught countless students worldwide, leading workshops and conferences in Europe, Asis, South America, Israel and Afrique, while remaining a central figure in the US African dance community, he also returns to Guinea annually to lead a month-long immersion workshop for international students in drum and dance youssoufkoumbassa.wixsite.com. Koumbassa lived in Brooklyn, New York, now in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife Mariama, a principal dancer from Les Ballets Africains, and their daughters Khadijah, Fatim, Nadi, Natalia, Komala, Mari and Gina. His work blends traditional West African Mande Rhythms with contemporary performance, and he is known for his ability to transmit both the technical mastery and cultural depth of Guinea’s dance heritage. Through his performances, recordings, and teaching, Koumbassa continues to preserve and promote the artistry of Guinea-style African dance for new generations.
Youssouf “Nyata” Koumbassa is widely regarded as one of the world’s most sought- after teachers of Guinea-style African dance. Born in Conakry, Guinea, Koumbassa began his professional career as a principal dancer with Ballets Djoliba, one of the country’s most important national dance companies, where he performed for 13 years. During this time, he trained and toured extensively, absorbing the rich pedagogy and choreography of his predecessors. His early passion for dance was ignited by witnessing performances in both professional companies and traditional villages across Guinea. The Doundounba dance of the Malinke strong men was his first major inspiration NYPL Digital Collections. He credits two master dancers, Sekuba Camara (former Ballet National Djoliba) and Bangaly Bangoura (former Les Ballets Africains), for shaping his technique and artistic vision NYPL Digital Collections.
Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer is a Nigerian-born dance artist, educator, and cultural leader based in Minnesota. She is the Founder and CEO of Afrocontigbo Dance & Wellness Company, a cultural movement dedicated to promoting African heritage, intergenerational wellness, and community empowerment through dance. Korma’s journey began in Nigeria, where dance served as both joyful expression and cultural preservation. After relocating to Minnesota in 2002, She studied at Winona State University, where she earned a degree in Economics while training and performing with the university’s dance company, Dancescape, expanding her foundation in diverse dance styles. She later earned her Master’s degree in Business from Saint Mary’s University. In 2014, she founded Afrocontigbo, rooted in traditional Igbo movement and influenced by contemporary African styles like Afrobeats and Ndombolo. Her work bridges culture, wellness, and storytelling, with performances featured at the Minnesota State Fair, Ordway Family Festival, Minnesota Fringe Festival, and Minnesota Timberwolves African Night.
Korma’s impact extends beyond performance through partnerships with organizations such as African Global Roots, Titambe West African Dance Ensemble, the Somali Museum, and the Center for Performing Arts. Her work has been supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and Capitol Region Watershed District. Through Afrocontigbo, she reaches over 1,000 community members annually and supports more than 30 artists. Signature programs include “Emume,” a West African dance residency centered on cultural education and performance. A passionate advocate for cultural pride and holistic wellness, Korma uses movement as a pathway to healing, connection, and joy.
Brotha.E, born as Enock Kalubi Kadima, is a multi-disciplinary artist from Congo, Kinshasa/Brazzaville. His movement and artistry reflect the richness of Congolese culture, featured in many shows, music videos, commercials, theatre, and dance battles. He intends to shift the paradigm of how his generation perceives African Art. Brotha.e practices and studies Ndombolo to help spread the Congolese culture globally, continuing to pay homage to the legacy of generations before him. He truly believes in sharing the voices of his people with the world, and does so through his movement and wisdom.