MAOBONG
BIO
Artistic Director, Choreographer, & Costume Designer
E-Mail: booking@maobongoku.com
Maobong Oku is a beautiful and dynamic dancer, instructor, and percussionist from the Efik tribe of Calabar , Nigeria . Filled with the energy of a child, the wisdom of a wise woman and the ageless spirit of a dancer, she has touched many audience's hearts. When you come see her perform, you will be mesmerized by how she radiates to the beat of the drum with an aura of light, grace and sophistication.
Her dancing debut started as a child with the "Abang" dance that was held in traditional festivals and ceremonies in her hometown. Her natural talent and passion lead her to pursue her dream in Calabar, Cross-River State where she was educated and trained in all forms of African dance. As a young woman, she became a percussionist and dancer with Eternity Productions Dance Company in Nigeria .
In 1987, She was the lead actress and dancer in the Nigerian Network television's children series called "Tales by Moonlight". At the same time art directed for the "Paradise City Dance Ensemble" in Calabar.
In 1992, Maobong took her childhood dream outside of Nigeria where she began her life as an independent performer in Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada.
As Moabong became popular, she began working with various dance groups, musicians, organizations and choreographers alike.
After years of performing, she decided to share her deep knowledge, experience and philosophy of African Dance and music with others. She traveled across Canada performing at various schools promoting and teaching Canadian children the African culture and dance through workshops and a program called "Artist in Residence".
Maobong has produced and staged the Vancouver 's African World Danse showcase. This success had led up to develop her very own dance and drum group, Eyen Isong Cultural Troupe. This is a group of the best local dancers and drummers that she personally selected to participate in her choreographed performances. Later she opened the first African Dance studio in Vancouver called Eyen Isong.
In 2000, Moabong journeyed back home where she organized a project called "African Friends", a cross cultural exchange program for children, youth and teachers from Africa and Canada . The mission is to educate and promote cultural literacy by bringing art into the classroom. She taught traditional dance, music, and costume making. Coordinated a performance with the schools and was responsible for video documentation, and photography. In addition started a writing correspondence program between the African and Canadian children. This successful program provided a deep connection between the two cultures bringing them closer together.
At home in Calabar, Maobong is the Vice President of the NKA-IMA Prayer and faith Healing Fellowship. This is a women spiritual group dedicated to promoting humanitarian services, counseling and empowering women and youth in Cross River State . The Fellowship has raised donations for local hospitals, youth programs, retirement homes and orphanages.
Her dance classes and workshops integrate the traditional dance and rhythm with the Art of Healing for personal growth and spiritual development. Her life long dedication of preserving and sharing her rich culture has made her a goodwill ambassador.
The ambassador role led Moabong to conceive "Kokoma", an African Heritage Dance and Drum Ensemble based in Vancouver . This performance company is made up of daughters and sons of the African Heritage whose passion is to share their culture with the world. As well as being the founder, she is the choreographer, costume designer and artistic director. Her wisdom and creativity has led "Kokoma" on a journey to become the most authentic heritage dance ensemble. She has been voted as one of Vancouver's favorite performers by the Peoples Choice of B.C. (Canada).
Maobong's ambition to create has led her to work on various new projects on an on-going basis. To be updated of her latest works visit the homepage!
