What Are You Most Passionate About?

I love dance. It’s something I’ve been doing all my life – since I was 5 years old. It’s good for my body. Good for my health. It helps me not to think too much. It helps me focus. Dance has helped me a lot throughout my life.

Who Is Your Hero? Why?

My grandfather – Elihadj Youssouf Koumbassa is my hero. He was a king. He was actually the last king of the village of Boké before the Europeans came. He helped a lot of people and I really admire him for that. Lots of people migrated to Boké from different ethnic groups, and when they arrived, he welcomed them. He gave them all plots of land, and regions in which to set up their homes. He was a powerful man with a good heart.

What Is Your Favorite Sound?

My favorite sounds are sweet sounds, like African music.

Short Description Of Project

I need a laptop to support me in my business. I have been teaching Guinean dance throughout the world for over 30 years. I am traveling all of the time, teaching thousands of students every year. As I move into the next phase of my life, I’m looking to build for the future. I have a laptop in Guinea, for my cultural center, Nimba, but I don’t have one in the US right now. If I had one, it would be a huge help. It’s impossible to build a business without a computer.

How Would A Laptop Help You?

It would help me to organize my teaching schedule and travel plans. It would allow me to put my music videos and teaching videos up on You Tube and stay in touch with my students around the world through social media and email. It’s my life’s mission to share Guinean dance and culture with the world. In this day and age, having access to a computer and the Internet is essential to fulfilling that mission.

What Languages do you speak?

Susu, English, French