NAfro Band on the West End Neighbourhood Patio

The West End Cultural Centre will continue to require that patrons wear facemasks and show proof of vaccination for all events in the venue. We will continue to evaluate this policy as circumstances evolve.

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Casimiro Nhussi Choreographer & Performer Casimiro Nhussi is a professional African dancer, choreographer, dance instructor and musician based in Winnipeg. Born in Mozambique, Africa, he has been a dance professional since 1982, training at Alvin Ailey American Dance Centre in New York. Starting his career as dancer, Casimiro then became the principal dancer, and then the Artistic Director of the Mozambique National Song and Dance Company. Currently Casimiro is the Artistic Director and Founder of Winnipeg’s only African contemporary dance company; NAfro Dance Productions.

Casimiro’s choreographic journey began in Mozambique. His choreographic style has evolved from almost purely African to one marked with Contemporary Dance influences and can now be described as African Contemporary Dance. Since coming to Canada in 1997, Casimiro has produced and choreographed over 20 evening-length dance works both as an independent choreographer as well as Artistic Director of NAfro Dance. In addition, since 2012 Casimiro has been invited by the Mozambican Minister of Culture & Tourism to be the Artistic Director of the Mozambican National Culture Festival, dance & music section. This festival takes place every second summer and brings together over 5,000 artists of diverse art forms from across the country.

Casimiro has also worked as a dance instructor and choreographer for many local, national and international organizations and groups. He has performed and led African dance workshops in over 30 countries worldwide.

Casimiro is also an accomplished musician. He has been nominated for the Western Canadian Music award five times including for “Makonde” (2010), “Gweka” (2013) and “Ximbombo” (2017). Casimiro was also a finalist for the Mozambique music award Ngoma2017 and was honored to have played for the opening of the 2011 Africa Games in Mozambique. He was also commissioned by the Canadian National Film Board to compose music for the animated short “Mind Me Good Now.” Casimiro is a recent recipient of the ‘Manitoba Black Community Award’ for ‘Outstanding achievement and significant contribution to the Black community as well as an ‘Appreciation Award’ from the ACOMI (African Communities of Manitoba Inc)’ in ‘recognition of his contributions to the African community’.