Stage Name: Akata Nelson
Date of Birth: September 6, 2000
Born & Raised: Enugu, Nigeria
Founder | Cultural Ambassador | Creative Visionary
Role: Founder, Igbo Dance Academy (IDA)
Fields: Dance | Digital Literacy | Social Media | Cultural Entrepreneurship
About Me
I am Ndubuisi Ifesinach, a passionate cultural dancer, visionary, and the Founder of Igbo Dance Academy (IDA)—a program born out of love for Igbo cultural heritage and a mission to preserve and promote our identity through dance. I believe dance is more than entertainment—it is a living archive of our history, spirituality, and values.
Why I Dance
From a young age, I saw dance as a powerful form of storytelling and cultural preservation. Every rhythm, every movement in Igbo traditional dance is deeply rooted in our ancestral wisdom. My passion for our heritage and desire to showcase its beauty globally fueled my journey as a dancer and cultural advocate.
Journey & Sacrifices
Establishing Igbo Dance Academy took years of dedication, travel, self-investment, and balancing multiple roles. I've committed countless hours to practice, choreographing, mentoring, and curating experiences that uplift and educate. It hasn't always been easy, but my love for the culture and the impact it makes keeps me moving.
Dreams & Goals
Bring Igbo traditional dance to global stages
Educate and inspire the younger generation
Build platforms for cultural exchange and creativity
Use dance to bridge cultures and empower identity
Where I’m Headed
I see myself leading international dance festivals, choreographing for global productions, and building a legacy that keeps Igbo dance alive for generations to come.
Beyond Dance
Outside the dance world, I am a social media manager, consultant, and passionate about digital literacy and creative entrepreneurship. I also serve as a mentor, helping others balance their creative passions with personal growth.
Fun Facts
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Jollof Rice & Chicken
Hobbies: Reading, acting, traveling, and discovering new cultural experiences
Best Thing About GDONI/IDA: The sense of unity, pride, and impactful cultural education it provides.
Stage Name: Harmless Chidex
Date of Birth: 2nd August 1997
State of Origin: Imo State (Umuokirie, Okuku, Owerri West LGA)
Born & Raised: Enugu State
Profession: Dancer | Shoemaker | Graduate of Accountancy
Role: Co-Founder, Performer, Cultural Ambassador
About Me
I am Harmless Chidex, a passionate and dynamic dancer with a fire for Igbo traditional culture. I am proud to be one of the founding members of Global Dance of Ndi Igbo (GDONI). Dance, for me, is not just movement—it is spirit, rhythm, and connection to my roots. From childhood, I have carried a deep passion for dancing, and today, that passion continues to guide my steps locally and internationally.
Why I Dance
The rhythms of Igbo music are extraordinary and spiritual. They take over your body without your permission. Dance has given me identity, purpose, and the strength to rise above challenges. Despite societal stereotypes, I stood firm. When many believed dancers were wayward or unserious, I proved them wrong—putting myself through school with my talent and earning the respect of my family and peers.
Journey & Growth
Although I’m the lastborn in my family, I’ve carried big dreams and responsibilities. I earned my Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accountancy, and I’m also a skilled shoemaker, working hard to grow my craft and open my own workshop someday.
Joining GDONI opened doors I never imagined—from traveling, meeting dignitaries, performing on big stages, and stepping into places I could only dream of, all while wearing our proud Igbo cultural costumes.
My Dreams
I aim to:
Go global as a cultural ambassador
Become a celebrity dancer known worldwide
Teach and inspire others through dance
Use dance to uplift and preserve Igbo heritage
What I Love About Igbo Dance
It’s spiritual, mystical, and beautiful. It connects us to our ancestors and showcases the elegance and power of our heritage.
Fun Facts
Hobbies: Listening to good music 🎶
Favorite Color: White
Favorite Food: Ọ̀rà soup with fùfù (Akpụ) 😄
What I Love About GDONI: The exposure, the travel, the recognition, and the beautiful experience of being seen and respected as a cultural icon.
Stage Name: Zanby / ZanbyGlamourTouch
Date of Birth: 10th July 2002
State of Origin: Ebonyi State
Based In: Enugu State
Role: Dancer | Makeup Artist | Hairstylist
About Me
I’m a passionate and determined dancer who believes in the power of art to transform lives. I fell in love with dance as a child and knew early on that it was not just something I was good at—but something I was born to do. Despite early resistance from my family, I never gave up on my dream. Through resilience, support, and unshakable love for dancing, I finally began my journey in 2018—and I haven’t looked back since.
Journey Into Dance
My dance story began in primary school when someone recognized my talent and wanted me to join their group. Although my mother initially disapproved, fearing the entertainment industry, I stayed committed to performing in school as a dance leader. In 2018, with help from my brother, I finally received permission to attend my first dance outing, and that moment marked the birth of my professional dance career.
Inspiration
I am constantly inspired by the creativity, style, and uniqueness of others in the dance and music industry. Their expressions fuel my own craft and help me evolve.
What I Bring to the Team
I bring not only my talent in dance but also my skills in makeup artistry and hairstyling. I invest my time and resources wholeheartedly into every performance, and I’m deeply committed to our collective vision of promoting Igbo culture through dance.
Goals and Dreams
My biggest goal is to inspire, entertain, and bring smiles to the faces of everyone who watches me perform. I dream of taking my dance career international—especially to the United States, where I can continue to shine and represent my culture on global stages.
Hobbies
When I’m not dancing, I love to sing or play music.
Favorites
Colors: White, Black, and Pink
Food: Rice
Why I Love the Igbo Dance Academy
I admire the style, creativity, and inspiration that everyone brings to the academy. It feels like a space where tradition meets expression—and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Stage Name: Cee
Date of Birth: September 21, 2000
Role: Drummer
Joined: 2023
Born in: Enugu, Nigeria
Raised in: Abakpa, Enugu
About Me
My name is Ogbonnaya Chidera Daniel, but in the cultural dance scene, I go by Cee. I joined the Global Dance of Ndi Igbo and Igbo Dance Academy in 2023 as a passionate drummer, drawn to the heartbeat of our traditions—the rhythm.
Why I Chose Drumming
Drumming gives me pure joy. It’s more than sound—it's spiritual, energetic, and brings our culture to life. The power of the drum moves the soul, and being part of that experience is deeply fulfilling for me.
What I Love About Igbo Traditional Music
There’s something special about Igbo traditional music—it’s joyful, energetic, and it brings people together. The beats, rhythms, and performances are vibrant expressions of who we are as Ndi Igbo.
Sacrifices on the Journey
Becoming a good drummer has taken hard work, focus, and dedication. From long hours of practice to performing in different environments, the journey has shaped me both as an artist and as a person.
My Dreams & Goals
To succeed through my talent
To go global, taking the sounds of Igbo culture worldwide
To share our rhythms abroad and let the world experience our uniqueness
What I Want the World to Know
Igbo dance and music are different, spiritual, and special. There’s depth in every movement and rhythm—it’s a cultural treasure worth celebrating.
Balancing Life & Art
As the second-born in my family, I’ve learned to balance my personal responsibilities with my artistic dreams. It hasn’t always been easy, but my love for music keeps me going.
Family & Support
I’m the only artist in my family. Though I didn’t face resistance, my journey has been self-driven and full of determination.
Fun Facts
Favorite Color: Black and Red
Favorite Food: Rice and Beans
Hobby: Playing football
Best Thing About GDONI/IDA: The love and unity we share—it's like family.
Stage Name: Small
Date of Birth: April 28, 2008
Role: Drummer
Started Practicing: 2023
Officially Joined: 2024
Born in: Enugu State, Nigeria
Raised in: Abakpa, Enugu
About Me
My name is Ani Emmanuel Chigozie, but in the world of rhythm and beats, I go by Small. I started practicing with Global Dance of Ndi Igbo (GDONI) and Igbo Dance Academy (IDA) in 2023, and officially became a member in 2024. My role as a drummer allows me to bring life, energy, and power to every performance.
Why I Became a Drummer
Drumming is something I naturally love. The sound, the energy, and the ability to move people through rhythm gives me a deep sense of joy. I knew I had to follow that passion.
What I Love About Igbo Traditional Music
Igbo traditional music brings pure joy. It connects me to my roots and gives me a platform to express myself culturally and creatively.
Sacrifices I’ve Made
I’ve invested a lot of hard work—learning rhythms, practicing late hours, and giving my all in every rehearsal. It’s not always easy, especially while schooling, but my passion keeps me going.
My Goals & Dreams
To become successful as a professional drummer
To perform on international stages
To make a name for myself while promoting African music and heritage
My Vision for the Future
I see myself going worldwide—traveling, performing, and sharing the rich sounds of Igbo traditional music across cultures.
What I Want the World to Know
Igbo music and drumming are unique and powerful. We’re not just entertainers—we are cultural ambassadors, using rhythm to inspire and teach about our heritage.
Balancing Life and Music
Right now, I’m still a student, and balancing education with drumming is challenging. But I’m committed to both. At first, my parents didn’t fully understand my passion, so I reached out to my boss for support in explaining my dreams. That helped a lot.
Family & Background
I’m the first in my family to pursue music like this, and I carry that pride with me every day.
Fun Facts
Favorite Colors: Yellow and Black
Favorite Food: I don’t have a favorite—I enjoy trying different meals
Hobby: Playing football when I’m not drumming
Best Thing About GDONI/IDA: The love, care, and unity in the group. We look out for each other like family.
Stage Name(s): Dero, Cyndero
Role: Drummer
Date of Birth: June 23
Joined GDONI/IDA: 2023
Born and Raised in: Enugu, Nigeria
About Me
I’m Ojukwu Sixtus Chikamso, also known as Dero or Cyndero. I joined Global Dance of Ndi Igbo in 2023 as a drummer because I believe in making music that is loud, exciting, and irresistible. My rhythms aim to amplify the sound of culture and connect people to the deep spirit of Igbo traditions.
Why I Became a Drummer
I chose drumming because I want the music to be heard powerfully and felt deeply. There’s a certain thrill and uniqueness in the sound of Igbo drums—it’s not just heard; it’s experienced.
What I Love About Igbo Traditional Music
The sound hits differently—it’s raw, spiritual, and uniquely beautiful. I’m especially drawn to the melodies of the flute and how the instruments speak together in harmony.
Sacrifices I’ve Made
To grow as a drummer, I immersed myself in the sound—I spent more time listening to melodies, practicing beats, and I even joined the church choir to sharpen my skills.
My Dreams and Future in Music
I see my journey in drumming leading me into music production. I want to create beats, tell stories through sound, and make a lasting impact in the music industry.
My Vision
Through GDONI and IDA, I want to show the world that Igbo culture is not only vibrant but rich with artistic rhythm. Our traditional music has its own powerful voice, and I want to make sure the world hears it.
Other Responsibilities I'm Managing
Outside of drumming, I’m currently an apprentice in tailoring, learning the art of sewing clothes. I’m also planning to return to school, so managing time between passion and purpose is key.
Family and Background
I come from a creative family—both my parents were involved in drumming and dancing in their youth, so this path was actually handed down to me. Even my younger brother is an artist too.
Fun Facts About Me
Favorite Color: Dark Green
Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Hobbies: Watching movies and experimenting with music apps
Best Thing About GDONI/IDA: The focus on practice and growth. This academy believes in your talent and helps you shape it into something outstanding.