I am Nicholas Sironka, and during the academic year 2000 –
2001, I had the privilege of being awarded the prestigious Fulbright
grant by the government of the United States to teach Maasai Culture
and Batik Art classes at Whitworth College Spokane Washington.
(Find more information, at the US State Department’s website:
http://exchanges.state.gov/fulbrightgallery)
In the year 2001, my wife Seleina and I set up and registered
Sironka Promotions, an organization that would help identify and
nurture young creative talent among the Maasai youth.
The Friends of Sironka Dance troupe was the beginning
in our endeavors to help empower many of our talented Maasai men
and women. This troupe has to date made five tours of the United
States of America, and two of the United Kingdom.
The dance troupe will also continue to acts as a fundraising arm
of Enkishon Nataana through conveying pulsating concerts
and workshops, the rhythm and cultural mystique of the Maasai
culture of Africa.
FORMATION OF THE GROUP.
In June 2001 we auditioned over two hundred
individuals and finally put together a Maasai folk music group
comprising of ten very talented youths. None of them had ever
attended school!
The formation of this group was therefore intended to serve as
a financial springboard for these individuals through earnings
made during their tour of other parts of the world.
In September to December 2002 The Friends of
Sironka Dance Troupe traveled to the United States where we presented
Maasai Culture to elementary schools, Colleges, Universities and
at public venues in Seattle, Spokane Washington, Idaho Virginia
and Maryland. These performances were accompanied by bead-making,
hair braiding, story telling, dance, and Batik Art workshop.
April
to May 2004: The Friends of Sironka Dance Troupe had
the opportunity of visiting several schools and public venues
in the United States of America. During this tour, it was evident
that there truly was a great thirst by Americans for African music
and Culture, and indeed an avenue through which we could all learn
from each other, accept our differences, and accept one another
regardless of where we come from.
In
June 2004 we made our maiden visit to the United Kingdom.
We performed at many schools, theatres, and homes for the elderly
with the highlight of our visit being performances at the Suffolk
Show, The three counties, Malvern and the South of England Shows.
2006 the Group meets with Prince Charles and his wonderful wife
Camilla in the UK.
HOW TO BOOK OUR GROUP:
General information and preparation:
Prior to our visit to schools or other public venues, we will
contact the school or venue to go over all the necessary details
to ensure the success of our visit.
For details and information please contact:
sironkamaasai@yahoo.com.
or call:
011-254-733 821 226 / 011-254-721-219 584.
Why Choose Us?
