African Dance Performance by Kcydiima Zahir and Company

West African dance is more than entertainment, it recounts history, conveys emotion, marks important celebrations , and helps to unify communities. SJM’s Juneteenth celebration will include a dance and drum demonstration led by Kcydiima Zahir , a member of the Umoja Dance Company.

Meet Kcydiima Zahir

Kcydiima Zahir was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey.  As a child brought up in an Afro centric household, Kcydiima began African dance before she could walk.  In her younger years she started to explore her craft.  Dancing lessons at the Newark School of the Arts was an introduction to ballet, tap and modern dance.  At this same time, Kcydiima would be attending African dance classes under the instruction of her mother, Zul-Latifatu Zahiratu, and Marie Basse, her first African teacher. 

Kcydiima continued dancing through high school, mastering her craft at Arts High school under the teachings of Kim Richardson.  After high school she continued dancing through college, teaching classes and also starting a dance group while attending Montclair State University.  Over the years Kcydiima has danced with Maimouna Keita and Zawaidi Dance School. She is currently dancing with Spektrums Africans and Umoja Dance Company.

As a mom, Kcydiima thinks it is important to continue to pass the culture down to the next generation.  Her son, Khelile is learning the music and dance of the African culture as well.