Jinjá Studios takes Edmonton’s Centre stage

The name Jinjá originates from a Yoruba slang term that means energy, passion, and motivation – a fitting representation for a new dance troupe that delivers  Afro-fusion performances. 

In  Edmonton, a new Afro-fusion studio is making its mark. Jinjá Studios, a high-energy dance group, has taken centre stage in the city’s entertainment scene, representing its Nigerian cultural heritage.

Founded in May 2024 by Koside Onyegbula, Kamsi Osadebe and Mofi Awoluyi, Jinjá Studios is more than just a dance group – it’s about finding your voice.

Onyegbula said, “we created a team that embraces our identity while welcoming everyone as a member.” 

Although Jinjá Studios associates mainly with the genre of Afrobeats, it also incorporates other dance styles such as salsa, hip hop and K-pop, putting them on the map as a culturally diverse and inclusive studio for dancers of all backgrounds.

Jinjá Studios currently hosts seven members, said Onyegbula. A number the trio admits they are navigating with mixed feelings. 

Expanding is exciting, but ensuring fair compensation for every dancer is a priority, said Onyegbula.

Many artists have that one moment when everything clicks – realizing they are exactly where they are meant to be. For Jinjá Studios, that moment came in spring 2024 at Afrofest.

“Afrofest was when we really started gaining traction as an official group,” Awoluyi said 

But the journey to Afrofest started with an opening performance for Nigerian superstar Asake at Rogers Place when the trio decided to break away from their previous dance group to create their path – one that led to Jinjá Studios. 

For Jinjá, dance is an expression of identity that brings cultures together. They aim to encourage a community that embraces diversity and organic growth.

When asked for advice for young creatives who want to break into the entertainment industry, Osadebe said, “Create your own space because no one is going to make space for you.”