Apai Sonko

After finishing his school education, Apai decided to go back to his native village of Abene where he started his dance initiation with his masters Mame Limbo and Moustapha Diabang, ex member of the ballet troup Sorano in Dakar. He then joined the troup Ballet Theatre Bitinibaa where he became lead dancer and choregrapher after a few years.

In 2002 he spent 3 months in Holland where he performed and taught traditional African dance, and decided once again to go back to his roots in Abene, where he has since been teaching both African and European students.

Over the last few years he has followed in the footsteps of his brother Malo Sonko by playing and teaching djembe, dun dun and dance to his younger peers. Together they co-founded Dimbaya in 2003.

Whilst respecting the traditional dance steps he was taught, Apai has a very contemporary and elegant style, partly due to his long legs and arms which seem to enable him to fly. Whenever he hears rhythms pound in the village he cannot resist and starts dancing, and his smile and energy are contagious. He is a very patient teacher and will sometimes start singing, giving courage to those of his students who feel less confident.

Copyright 2005 (E & L Sonko)