Rumbafrica was founded in 1992 by Tshibangu Kadima, who was born in Lubumbashi in Congo.  Kadima came to the U.S. originally to study Computer Engineering and graduated from Northeastern University.  He introduced New England to SOUKOUS music.  The Boston-based group performs music and dance combining rhythms of traditional Congolese rumba (a variant of the Cuban rumba) with the modern non-stop soukous beat.  Kadima composes and writes the troupe’s songs and choreographs their dance.  Their repertoire includes songs in French, Swahili, Tshiluba and English and reflects Kadima’s hopeful vision of life and his prayer for positive change in Congo.  Kadima songs convey a message of peace.  He conducts entertaining and educational workshops in schools and universities around the country.

Rumbafrica is the Boston area’s premier dance band and has received numerous awards including the Boston Music Awards for Outstanding World Music Act in 1995 and an Award at Artscap 97 Festival in Baltimore MD for Outstanding World Music Act.  What is NEW is that on November 15, 2014 RUMBAFRICA band leader "TSHIBANGU KADIMA" received the OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN ART, (INDIVIDUAL) from the CONGOLESE BOSTON GALA.

 Rumbafrica has been selected for listing in the Massachusetts Touring Roster.  Presenters will be  eligible to apply to receive fee support for the band.  To find out the guideline and deadline call (617) 951-0010 or visit: www.nefa.org  Presenters from other New England states are eligible to apply for fee support through the New England States Touring program, which is also administrated by 

New England Foundation for the Arts.  Here is very important website about rumbafrica: http://www.creativeground

Kinshasa City Tours: An Amazing day at Aqua 

Splash Water Park. ( edited)

Business, tourisme et top models, le nouveau visage de l'Éthiopie

Keanna Bryant

My name is Keanna Bryant I was born in St. Louis, Missouri and I’m currently residing in New York City. I’m an Independent Professional Petite Model interested in high fashion, runway, commercial, acting, magazines, promotion and catalogs. I came to New York about 3 years ago to pursue my modeling and acting career. I have been modeling for about 9 years. I’m creative, photo-genetic, self-confident, self-motivated, and versatile, with a sense of humor that is captivating with an electric personality. Since, I’ve been in New York I worked with Black Hair and Midwest Black Hair Magazine, (FIT) Fashion Institute of New York, Intern for New Global Biz Magazine, DAKAR Boutique Mint by Diarra Bussa SS’ 15, New York fashion Week, Diva Dynasty Magazine, Breast Cancer Event, Ms. Rebba talk Show, Walk Fashion Show Indie Designer Showcase, New York Fashion Week ‘HBO, Connecticut Fashion Week, Wayne Plitzs Fashion Week, and Plitzs Petite Model Competition, Natural Beauty Magazine Print, and Fashion Print. My goal is to be the Top Petite Model, and grace the cover page of the most elite magazines such as Vogue, Glamour, Bazaar and most of all Victoria Secret. Additionally, I was the first Petite Model to work with top designers at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I also have aspirations in acting; my goal is to be in commercials, sitcoms, criminal minds, Law and Order and motion films.

While pursuing my dream career I’m currently in school at Metropolitan College of New York I’m pursuing a Bachelor in Business Administration. I’d like to thank everyone in supporting me through my journey, and I’m continuing my journey, even though I lost My Sweet Lady ‘My Granny’ She is the reason’ why I came to New York. I hope to make ‘My Sweet Lady’ happy and proud. I didn’t know anyone; I told my family before I left ‘I am walking in Faith’. I met some amazing models, and some of the best photographers in the Industry. I love Fashion and I want to show the Fashion Industry that it’s not about height, weight or size ‘ It’s all about marketing and advertising’, and putting your best foot forward and showing a side of you that will be appealing to the masses. And through GOD’s grace and the support of my fans I know I’ll reach the stars.

Diva Bena

My name is Bena aka. Friends call me "Diva Bena". I'm a French model/rapper. I started doing music when I was in NYC. Quickly I understood that I was made for this. So I decided to take it seriously and collaborated with some great Americans artists. Nine months ago I put out my first clip video "FreeShmurda" featuring "Jay Wirth". Back to my country, now I'm working on my first EP "Tozokoma". This work will be released on January 2017. My music style involve mixing French, English and Lingala when I rap, producing an unique new style. I am so proud that my modeling images were included in an exhibit in NYC and that has boosted my confidence.

Clara Douna Philor

I am a very reserved individual yet very kind and emotional. I care wholeheartedly for others and therefore give my very all. I'm very easy going and down to earth. I find happiness in the simplest things. I love nature and enjoy being by the beach. I love modeling in its entirety. I love the energy I feel when modeling. I love stepping on a runway and giving that energy back. My most favorite feeling is how much I transform in front of a camera. No matter how bad my day might have been, once the camera is ready, all the worries are out the window. In this field of modeling, it is best to be around people who completely support you. One must have passion to go through with it. It's hard work and it requires many sacrifices. Also, many temptations come with the career, you must remain head strong.

Biography:

Clara Philor breathes, eats, drinks, lives fashion! She started modeling in Canada at the age of 5 with the help of her mother. She eventually stopped until the age of 15 where she took some classes to sharpen her talent and also boost her confidence and acting skills. To prove her passion for fashion, Clara also holds a bachelor's degree in fashion Marketing and Design. Her biggest pride is having designed and sewn her mother's gown for her 25th wedding anniversary vow renewal. As a professional model, Clara has always been a proud ambassador of her country of origin, Haiti. In 2010, Clara held the title of Miss Haiti international where her platform focused on showing the beauty of Haiti and its rich history and culture. Aside from a bachelor's degree in fashion design and marketing, she also earned an MBA in project management. Throughout her professional career. Clara has organized and participated in several public events. She is known for her sparkling personality which is always led by her gorgeous smile.

Tiffany Marie

My name is Tiffany I prefer to go by TiffMarie . I've been going on casting since I was a child . My mother never supported me modeling. So I waited till I was grown and begin to pursue my dream. When I was around twelve or thirteen years old I went to a casting NYC fame. The casting directors all ramped and rave how I could be the next Naomi Campbell. That's when I knew I was destined to be a model. I am just an ordinary woman. I am Co-owner of Heart's Desire home maker and companion services, inc. When I'm not modeling I love helping the elderly. I love giving back to the community and helping those in need. I'm also a proud mother. Modeling gives me opportunity to express my love for art and others talents. I love the idea of wearing beautiful designs rather apparel, shoes jewelry or etc . It's my outlet to just allow my inner beauty to shine. All while grabbing every attention. Intriguing them to purchase the product being sold. The challenging part about modeling is not being small enough. Often race and most of the time, ethnic looks black women is not what designer's are looking for. Most of times I attend a casting, they want you to be under a certain age. Since I am thirty Year's old it's often frowned upon. I receive more compliments on my back than anything. It's my favorite part of my body.

My name is Savannah “Vann” Fields, and I am a 23 year old Freelance Fashion Model from Fresno, TX. Graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University a little over a year ago as a University Scholar with a BA in Radio/Television and minor in Fashion Merchandising. My favorite color is pink, I love to relax and hang out with friends, and traveling around the world has been a lifelong dream of mine. I also love all things fashion and mentor young women on modeling and self-confidence. I have been modeling for about 4 year’s total, and I am based in the Houston area. My overall goal is to “Aspire to Inspire,” and to show others that hard work plus faith pays off.  Becoming a High Fashion and Commercial Model for some of the world’s biggest name brands in clothing, make-up, perfume, and many more are just a few of the goals I have in mind for the future. I plan on starting my own line of cosmetics and expanding my brand out even further than that. Right now I am signed with MODEL & TALENT INC.  Modeling Agency. Modeling has always been a passion of mine and I believe that you never give up on the things you are passionate about. If you want it bad enough and work hard enough....ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

September New York Fashion Week 2015 hands down has to be the best modeling experience because I never thought I would be there. I had always dreamed of going to New York and as soon as I got there I cried because it was such a great feeling to know that I am actually living out my dream. Going to New York and walking in Small Boutique Fashion Week and New York Caribbean Fashion Week was something I am so glad that I had the opportunity to participate in. Being around all of those various designers, models, agencies, and bloggers was a great experience and I learned so much in the time that I was there. I love the fact that modeling is very expressive, especially when it comes to posing. Fashion in general is expressive, but with modeling you can take any amount of concepts and put them together in a way that makes others think differently. The posing is also in my opinion what really captures the audience’s attention and brings the image to life.

Mally Mally

I am  a queen from a small town in North Carolina, my beauty is very unique.   Like a chameleon I can wear several hats and be whatever the job calls for. Today I'm making a room for myself in modeling and my dreams are becoming more real. Working with me is a experience you will not  forget or regret. I love to deliver what the mind is thinking. 

I love modeling because of the people I meet and of cores (giggles  ) the clothes. I meet all types of people during my traveling and enjoy networking and the love that my fans give is amazing. My legs are very tone for my size and my eyes are bedroom eyes. My smile can brighten a room. I know all that from compliments I get from people. Those compliments help to build my confidence. I believe that every model has a market. I plan on taking every storm on my way for I'm not your conventional looking model. I will broaden the sights of modeling and beauty. I want to acknowledge my coach & friend Tori Mckoy for being instrumental in what I have achieved so far.

Instagram @mally.mally
Facebook/ mallymally

Uxposed mag 
Swank fashion magazine 
Crush model magazine
The session
The house of kolors inc.- model
Konterversi Boutique- model
Platinum by Plush - model

Before I was Into fitness, I used to party 4-5 days a week and indulge in alcohol and other bad habits on a regular basis. At the age of 28, I realized my life wasn't going anywhere. I finally cut "friends" loose, changed my life and now at the age of 30, I am in the best shape I have been in my life: mentally, physically and emotionally. I am training myself to become a bikini athlete and fitness shoots give me life!  My body is my "work of art". I am the artist and the art. I work hard for my muscles and physique and no one can take that away from me. When I do fitness modeling, I get to show that off to everyone. Like, "hey, look at me! Look at what hard work and dedication can get you!". No pain No gain is our philosophy.

Giving back to my community is very important to me. That's why I have a fitness YouTube Channel, currently with 14 videos showing different workouts for different parts of the body. You can search my name "Requia Binion".

Model Mercury

I'm a hard working model who knows that it's a fight to get far in the modeling industry and I will keep on fighting till I reach my goals. I will not let competition be my fear. I'm a kind hearted person who don't only focus on my goals but I also coach and mentor young teens who are interested in the modeling field about the Runway Walk and teach them also the dos n don't and encourage them. Throughout the year I saw their progress and the success they achieved.

Meeting the right people that have your interest at heart and who can bring you at next step up in modeling is challenging but I like the opportunity, the exposure, meeting and creative people. Modeling build myself esteem to a high point that when I'm on the runway I'm confident in myself. I enjoy doing photo shoots and I love the compliments I get from my fans because my fans good feedback is an indication that I'm doing a great job. They compliment me on my smile, my poses, my runway walk, my fierceness and much more.

I'm originally from Virginia and moved here in Charlotte North Carolina little over 3 years ago. I started modeling shortly after moving here and things just took off. I also am a clothing designer with my own line it's called Fabulous Ambition and Brains. It consists of mainly a women's line but women and men t-shirt line to start and then I will be releasing the actual line in 2016. I've been blessed to have been in 3 magazines and  1 online feature, and 2 more model features in the making. I'm working on a Youtube channel now and a new website for my fans and supporters. Also I will have a mini magazine of different shoots never before seen coming out real soon so keep a look out for that. My resume is getting pretty long and I owe it all to God and having ambition. I do runway, fashion, hosting, photo shoots, special appearances, videos, magazine and so forth. I consider myself a versatile model that will be accomplishing even more in the future. Modeling is my passion and I am just at the beginning of my entrepreneurship. So stay tuned to all my social media pages FACEBOOK- Ms.Diamond- model, IG- msdiamondtheboss 

Asha John was born on the islands of Trinidad & Tobago. She moved with her family to New York at a very young age. As a child she attended numerous schools for the gifted and talented and excelled in both academics and performing arts. After graduating from The High School of Telecommunications Arts & Technology, she obtained a full academic scholarship to Penn State University, where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Actuarial Science and her minors in Mathematics and Spanish. Post her Baccalaureate career, Asha pursued a career on Wall Street as an actuarial analyst. Although feeling very accomplished in her career, Asha knew that she was missing following her true dreams, so she pursued a career change and decided to focus on her acting, modeling and dancing career as one of her passions. She soon realized her other passion which was teaching and working with children. Asha began auditioning and working on numerous stage productions and in 2011 Asha began working as a teaching artist bringing her love of step, theater, dance, and math to the students she works with. Asha’s hobbies are reading, watching movies crocheting, listening to music, taking dance classes, and hanging out with her friends. In the near future Asha hopes to be cast in a major motion picture as well as a tony award winning production on Broadway.

Speaking about modeling she declared that my favorite modeling experience would have to be the most recent work I did for the ECO Fashion show on the high bridge. It was about celebrating a part of history while helping the community and environment. Anytime I get to use my craft to help uplift others, it's worth it. I love what I do as an art. I believe we all can accomplish what we set our minds too and with the right support. I enjoy giving others positive feedback and helping them feel empowered. I love giving the designers piece life. This is their craft and to be able to use my body to give their craft life is an amazing feeling. I'm telling a story with every photo, every runway step, every pose and every smile. Modeling can be challenging when you are not sure of yourself. Others can see it and it can take a toll on you. However, if your grounded and know who you are, you will always come out on top.

Jaleesa Ann

Jaleesa Ann was born in August 1989 and raised in Southern New Jersey. She has a passion for acting, writing, and also Basketball. She enjoys Dancing and Riding Atv's and motorcycles. Jaleesa has steady hand for art. She graduated from Barbizon Modeling Agency at the age 16. She is featured in a short film called "Don't Throw Me Away" and a Indie Film called "Last Love Lost". Jaleesa is currently working on other projects as an actress and so her own projects which she is very passionate about. She will be casting in the year 2015. What She like about modeling is the outcome of emotions in the photos. Her smile can brighten a room.

I was born on January 4, 1993 in Orlando, Florida. I grew up in a low-income family, who always struggled to make ends meet. While growing up, I became attached to the entertainment side of life. During the summer of 2009, My mother and I moved from Orlando to Atlanta, GA. Everyone says that I have unique modeling features. From my eyes, head shape, long neck, to my slender body, and long legs. These features are what makes everyone come up to me and ask "are you a model?". I'm very passionate about modeling. Some days I just sit there and wonder where my next step will be. How can I be different then what's already out there? How can I stand out? When I was younger I always knew that my passion was in the entertainment sector. Whether it was singing, dancing, writing songs, choreographing, and even modeling. So in my down time, I would practice everything so that one day I would be GREAT at it. I even use to walk in straight lines with a book on my head so that I could build posture. Now, it's coming in hand. I enjoyed an extreme shoot with my photographer. He had a vision and I just played it out. I came and everything was ready for me. The outfit, headpiece, makeup artist, jewelry, everything. He even had a ranch booked for the shoot so we could take shots with the horses. It was different, and adventurous, and I enjoyed every minute of it, especially the ending results.

Jesula Bryant

Modeling has always been my passion and I love being a role model. I would like to do more but having 3 kids makes that difficult but I'm still not giving up on my dreams. My favorite modeling experience has to be when I walked in the serenity nights runway show In NYC a few Years ago. The confidence to take risks has made me doing amazing things on the runway.

Every modeling experience is different and unique said Fanta Camara. I find each and every of my modeling experience a learning opportunity. Not only does it help me grow as a model, but it also allows me to become a better, smarter and more humble person as I move more into the modeling industry. I try to be the best that I can be to make my family proud.

The credits for black dress:

Photographer:              Steve Bennetts Photography

Designer:                      Margaret-Gamacke Designs

Model:                           Fanta Camara

MUA:                             Keena

The credits for African Vintage Pieces:

I believe that dreams can only be made if you wake up. I love shooting, especially the wow moment you get when you see the finished product. I give some credit to my Make-Up artists for their experience. Their comment about my eyes and my personality always boosts my confidence. Seeing the smile of the fashion designers and photographers as result of my work is very fulfilling. At the end of the day we're a team with the same goal. The most recent shoot I coordinated with Rich Hardt photographer at his studio in Staten Island overspray for breast cancer awareness was my favorite modeling experience because we are reminded to give back to our society in order to make our world better place than we found it. It was inspiring.

Protecting your image and trusting someone else to do so are some of modeling challenges that we are all facing. It's so easy to be judged but it's even easier when you're in front of a camera.

Akuac Ring

Rejeanne Raymond

I'm very outgoing, fun and loving. I love to travel and make new friends. I'm also very determined in any goals that I would like to accomplish. My favorite modeling experience would have to be going down the runway for The Connecticut Fashion Week for the first time. Not only I had a blast but it really opened my eyes to become very serious about this craft along with acting.

The prospect of walking the runway and being photographed at many different locations locally and potentially around the world is what I like about modeling. Getting the nerves out of my system before going out on the runway or shooting at a public area is challenging part of modeling.. I usually think very positive and immediately I become confident of what I am doing.

Credits 
Red pants and black and gold top
Styling by Debora Wolf 
Photography by Kamrul Hasan

Indian wedding dress images
Designed by Lashkara Couture
Sylist Dipali Shah
Makeup zeeshan shamji /glow zee
Photography by Pandya photographey.

Green dress runway photo
Design by Clear boutique 
Photography by Adam lein. New York fashion runway