Jacky Essombe

Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Homebase: Vancouver
Languages: English, French
Grant Eligibility: Eligible for 70% AIE

Founder of the Spirit of the Village, Jacky Essombe –aka Jacky Yenga– is a performer, TEDx speaker and best-selling author, and a messenger for the healing wisdom of African villages. She passionately believes that all Canadians deserve to know the story of Africa without prejudice and discrimination. She has been bringing cultural education in schools across Canada for 20 years, sharing how to use the power of community and get along with each other, and access joy through rhythm, movement, and connection. FRENCH Fondatrice du concept l'Esprit du Village, Jacky Essombe - alias Jacky Yenga - est une artiste, conférencière TEDx et auteure à succès, et une messagère de la sagesse des villages africains qui aide à guérir l’âme. Elle croit passionnément que tous les Canadiens méritent de connaître l'histoire de l'Afrique sans préjugés ni discrimination. Elle apporte l'éducation culturelle dans les écoles à travers le Canada depuis 20 ans. Elle enseigne comment utiliser le pouvoir de la communauté pour le bien-être et pour accéder à la joie par le rythme, le mouvement et la connexion.

---

A new page will be created on the website, specifically dedicated to school offerings.

Performance(s)

Liwanda Village Experience

School Year: 23-24
Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Offered Languages: English, French
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 45 mins.
Capacity: 600
Tech Requirements: A change room and a clean floor. A wireless handheld microphone and PA are also needed. An aisle through the middle of the audience.
Available Formats: In Person

Exciting music, tribal dancing, sounds of joy and bright colors are the main ingredients in this performance that showcases rhythms, songs, and dances from West and Central Africa. Cameroonian dance artist Jacky Essombe and Beninese percussionist Yoro Noukoussi will transport you into the heart of their beloved cultures. In the true tradition of Africa, music and dance are an extension of everyday life and are accessible to everyone. Community members in Africa are encouraged to sing and dance together from an early age to strengthen their trust and relationship to one another. In our Liwanda village, everybody will experience a deep sense of belonging, shared joy, friendship and unity, and we will all leave with our heart beating faster with joy and excitement.

Workshop(s)

Liwanda African Dance Workshop

School Year: 23-24
Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Offered Languages: English, French
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 1 day
Capacity: 30
Tech Requirements: wireless handheld microphone
Available Formats: In Person

Dancing and singing play a unifying role in a traditional African village, and dancing together is an act of peace, friendship and trust. Liwanda is an immersion into the life of an African village and their cultural protocols through music, stories, dances and rhythms. Accompanied by a live drummer, professional dancer Jacky Essombe will show students how to joyfully relate to one another and create bonds that leave everybody in the community feeling a sense of safety and belonging.

---

Testimonials & Reviews

Excellent! The kids loved Jacky and how she interacted with them. I highly recommend her. Heritage Mountain Elementary, Coquitlam

It was AWESOME! The teachers and students loved it! It was engaging and interactive....very awesome. O’Chiese Education, Rocky Mountain House, AB

"Thank you so much for all your work last week. You and "Grandpa" brought so much energy and enthusiasm to Franklin each and every day. The students and adults are still talking about the workshops. That's impact! Sir John Franklin Elementary, Vancouver

Browse Artists Directory