Rubba's introduction to dance has been a very different experience from most dancers. He has no formal training qualifications from any dance institutes. Coming from a street dance background he accidentally stumbled upon Traditional African Dance and has been on a remarkable journey for over 45 years. This has led to him developing his own unique way of teaching this complicated art form.

Starting as a self employed freelance grassroots artist and evolving to Managing AFIDANCE, the company has gone from strength to strength setting up projects within Educational Organisations and Schools, working with Corporate Clients, collaborating with Festivals and Theatres, teaching and performing in various communities and regions in the UK.

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Womad Festival:

A regular client where he  as been teaching for numerous years.

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Mama Africa:

Successful two year Arts Council funded Dance and Research project  with several schools across Bristol. This fed into the development of the Mama Africa online resource web page for teachers and pupils​​

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Bristol Old Vic 

Collaborating with Miranda Cromwell, as assistant musical director and dance choreography for several projects creating theatre performances with inner city school pupils.

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Sadlers Theatre

Adzido performances hosting two one week residency at venue over two years

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Kuumba Community Resources:

Employed as arts and Dance Co-ordinator/Practitioner setting up work with schools and community groups also developing showcase presentations as well as teaching weekly dance classes in the venue 

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BBC Strictly Come Dancing:

Choreographed and performed African dance special with black television personalities.

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Research and training

Study Travelling to Zimbabwe and Zambia,his first experience of gathering materials for his own use.

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Royal Festival Hall:

Afidance contracted to create and coordinate two days of dance,visual arts and poetry event for the venue using artists locally nationally and internationally

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City University:

London teaching students several African Dances pieces over a three month period for several years

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Irie Dance Company

6-month contract teaching students African dance techniques choreographing several pieces from Africa. Also lecturing on the origins of the dances being studied and finally grading students.

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Surrey University:

Contracted to film, record, and assist with laban and Bensa notators to create a Traditional African a dance  module to be studied as part their grade requirements

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Chisenhale Dance Space:

Employed part time as Dance Animateur planning and attracting funding for projects with several schools across east London

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Jacobs well dance centre:

My first class as a member of Ekome Arts who introduced the The first African Dance and drumming evening Classes  in Bristol.

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"What I have learned from a life dedicated to this form of expression is that it is not just about dance; but a life enhancing holistic practice, that will definitely improve mental and physical well being. 

There is a proven and deep-rooted connection between the human physiology/psyche and the right vibrational tones. This vibrational link between the sound of the drums and the receiving dancer, resonate on a frequency that I believe help maintain a physical, emotional and spiritual balance in one's life.

This connection is something that traditional African communities have a much deeper relationship with than most of us in the western hemisphere, meaning its value and importance is often overlooked.

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It is more that just dancing to 'keep fit', as you can spend your whole life trying to unravel the mystery behind our innate connection to the sound of the drum and its relationship to the dances of this beautiful continent."

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Rubba's passion and love for African Dance and drumming has permeated every aspect of his life and is clear to anyone who has the pleasure of being taught by him or working with him.

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