The vibrant pulse of African rhythm, healing and cultural connection echoed across South Africa as the AFROFUTURE in Motion South Africa Cultural Exchange Tour 2026, led by Funmilayo Chesney and her New York-based Fusha Dance Company, concluded a powerful 10-day journey across Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Running from 1 to 10 April 2026, the tour brought together queer youth, early childhood learners and adults in an inclusive programme designed to inspire healing, identity and self-expression through movement and storytelling.
Rooted in the belief that movement is medicine and culture is power, the initiative created immersive spaces where participants were encouraged to reconnect with their bodies, celebrate their heritage and embrace their identities.
Dance, drumming and cultural storytelling
Audiences across both cities experienced a dynamic programme that included live African drumming, Congolese and African diasporic dance workshops, interactive performances, leadership sessions and wellness practices focused on the mind-body connection.
Through dance and storytelling, participants were invited to engage with culture not only as performance but as a powerful tool for healing and community connection.
The initiative placed strong emphasis on creating safe, affirming spaces where individuals could participate freely and explore self-expression without judgement.
A meaningful collaboration with Triangle Project
One of the standout moments of the Cape Town leg of the tour was a collaboration with Triangle Project, one of South Africa’s leading LGBTQ+ human rights organisations.
During a dedicated workshop, Chesney and her team worked directly with members of the queer community, using movement and creative expression as a pathway to healing, visibility and empowerment.
“South Africa met me with an openness that I will carry with me forever,” said Chesney.
“There is something incredibly powerful about witnessing people reconnect with their bodies and their truth through movement.”
A globally respected artist
Funmilayo Chesney is a globally recognised multidisciplinary artist, choreographer and Artistic Director of Fusha Dance Company.
With decades of experience in dance education and performance, she has taught at internationally renowned institutions including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Harlem School of the Arts, and the Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance.
A specialist in Central African Congolese dance, Chesney has received the Ethnic Dance Award for Best African Dance Instructor and was a 2022–2023 grant recipient from the New York City Mayor’s Office Women’s Fund for Media, Music and Theatre.
Her work has been showcased on global stages including The Apollo Theater, The United Nations, Carnegie Hall, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Beyond the stage, she is also passionate about wellness and community empowerment, which she promotes through her Cook to Live Interactive Nutrition Workshops.
Youth engagement and leadership in Johannesburg
A major highlight of the Johannesburg leg of the tour was Chesney’s partnership with Dr Buntu of Ebukhosini Solutions.
Together they facilitated a multi-disciplinary workshop that engaged youth through dance, drumming, theatre, meditation, play and leadership development.
The session created an energetic environment where participants were encouraged to express themselves, build confidence and connect with their cultural roots.
“Working in Johannesburg, I felt the hunger for expression,” Chesney said.
“There was a willingness to be vulnerable, to explore identity and to celebrate culture in its fullest form.”
Building inclusive cultural spaces
Chesney described the Cape Town workshops as particularly meaningful, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive environments for queer communities.
“Cape Town was deeply special,” she said.
“Partnering with Triangle Project reminded me why this work matters. Creating spaces where queer individuals feel seen, safe and celebrated is not optional, it is necessary.”
“That workshop shifted me. The stories shared, the courage in the room, it was not just teaching. It was a mutual exchange of healing and humanity.”
A lasting cultural impact
The AFROFUTURE in Motion Cultural Exchange Tour not only celebrated African heritage but also reinforced South Africa’s role as a powerful hub for cultural dialogue, artistic collaboration and inclusive community building.
As the tour concludes, its impact continues to ripple through the communities it touched, leaving behind a renewed sense of connection, confidence and collective cultural pride.
“Sharing my dance, rooted in Congolese traditions, with South African communities was an honour,” Chesney said.
“I am already looking forward to returning and deepening these connections.”
Follow the movement
Website: www.fushadance.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fushadance
Instagram (Kids): https://www.instagram.com/fushakids
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