These Akron teenagers (Black Beanz) are African refugees who learned to sing and choreograph dances on their own, backed up with plenty of practice. The dance moves reflect an African fusion music genre sung primarily in Swahili. Dancing is primarily learned in the church and at family/village gatherings. They are affiliated with Shanti Farm's Teen Ambassador Cultural Representative Showcase and located in the North Hill neighborhood of Akron. Black Beanz was accepted to perform at the 2022 OhioDance Festival, and all received full scholarships to attend workshops there.
The Dance Team
Chomba Olenga - Tanzania/East HS (10th grade, 15) - coach, choreographer, photographer/videographer, model
Kamana Pasi - Tanzania/Ellet HS (11th grade, 16) - captain
Martin Kwitonda - Uganda/North HS (9th grade, 15) -choreographer, flipper
Yoshua Fazili - Tanzania/North HS (9th grade, 15) - spokesperson
Samweli Matendo - Tanzania/Ellet HS (9th grade, 14) - singer, model
Mmunga Alimasi - Tanzania/North HS (9th grade, 15) - hospitality
Malanga Asende - Tanzania/Jennings MS (8th grade, 14) - singer
Justly Rwema - Uganda/North HS (10th grade, 16) - stage manager, drummer
Tom Crain - Director of Shanti Community Farms - team co-manager and director
David Brooks - President of 360 North Consulting - team co-manager and marketing director
For more information, visit
Black Beanz.
(Pictured: Black Beanz of Akron celebrates winning the Golden Ticket for 2023 at Ohio World of Dance and will be heading to Anaheim, California, to compete.)