The amazing PRAISE EKENG is the founder of IJO -UGO – and African dance and drumming company, based in Cincinnati with varieties of artiste from Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Cameroon, and includes African Americans in the diaspora performing and teaching across the United States. Their mission is to Educate, Entertain and Engage in community events and help bring awareness as it relates African Dances in the Diaspora.

A native of Cross River State in Nigeria, Praise is a prolific dancer, teacher, instructor, percussionist & choreographer. As a dance artist, he has travelled to many places in showcasing the vibrant art of African dance, music, and culture. Praise Ekeng has employed dance as the oldest and most viable tool for economic, body, psychology and mentally enhancement as well as a tool to educate and train dozens of kids and adults about Dance & African culture.

After studying dance and embracing it from an early age, He graduated of University of Calabar in 2002 with a major in choreography.

He proceeded to learn more in South Africa at the famous Market Theater in Joburg after being employed by the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) Praise Ekeng has taken part in many festivals, shows and lecture/demonstrational classes.

He has toured United States, South Africa, Germany and Seoul Korea, just to mention a few. Trained under the leadership of Arnold Udoka & Ahmed Yerima, as well as other world-renowned dance teachers. .

His first major dance choreography was futured in the play “Then she said it” by Tes Owueme and funded by Ford Foundation which toured Africa and the U.S. and has other featured credits that include the All- African Games (2003) among others.

Praise Ekeng has worked with the Cross River state dance troupe, Unical Dance, National troupe of Nigeria, Manga Dance, Dance Africa, and Body language. He is a music minister at the Redeemed Christian Church of God and is the creator and host of African & American Music Extravaganza. He volunteers for the Cincinnati Symphony Classical Root mass choir, Nuway foundation and more.

Praise Ekeng’s dream is to be the voice of the eldest, viable and vibrant art form (Dance & African culture). He is married and is raising a community of dancers and singers.