JOACHIM KEKE    will be one of the award recipients at OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN YORKSHIRE taking place this Friday the 3rd of October at The Banqueting Hall, City Hall, Bradford at 5.30pm .

Joachim Keke: Dancing Between Cultures, Creating Across Borders.

In the heart of Bradford’s evolving cultural landscape, few artists embody the blend of bold tradition and modern expression like Joachim Keke A dancer, theatre artist, community facilitator and cultural visionary, Joachim has spent the last two years carving a path that not only showcases his craft, but also uplifts voices too often silenced especially those of Black and African heritage.

With roots in theatre and a deep devotion to African culture, Joachim’s performances are not just entertainment—they are living, moving conversations. As a creative and performing artist with Common Wealth Theatre, he has featured in multiple groundbreaking works which includes. “IN COMMON” a citizen-assembly-inspired piece reflecting on social inequality; “STILL WAITING”, a bold and necessary commission from Healthy Minds/Bradford and Craven NHS, addressing raw realities of mental health through immersive performance, “IDENTITY” a deeply personal dance showcase exploring identity and adaptation in unfamiliar spaces as well as working on research and development and co-devising elements of current

work, “PUBLIC INTREST”, which premiered in May 2025, and is part of Bradford

UK City of Culture’s programme

His ability to blend movement with meaning has made him more than just a performer—he’s a facilitator of dialogue. As a **Youth Lab Coordinator with common wealth and **freelance youth theatre director** with **Parkview Youth Theatre (Northern Broadsides) Joachim has supported directing performances such a “Brainstorm” and “Iron man” respectively, mentoring young voices, offering platforms for expression, connection, and healing through performance.

But his reach doesn’t stop at the stage. During **Black History Month**, Joachim co-led the **Black Heritage Day** at the University of Bradford, creating a rich tapestry of indigenous African fashion, music, and dance—an offering to the community, and a powerful reclaiming of identity.

Currently, Joachim is co-choreographing and performing in *So Far So Good*, a tender and humorous piece celebrating the freedom and joy of older adults. He has also contributed to performances at the **Men Porch Awards**, addressing men’s mental health, and the **ABA Gala Night**, where his rousing interpretation of *Still I Rise*—inspired by Maya Angelou—brought the audience to their feet.

Looking ahead, Joachim continues to expand his artistry, with an upcoming **aerial performance commissioned by Bradford 2025** in Shipley and new collaborations with **Brave** , BAFA and other creative platforms on the horizon.

In addition to his UK-based work, Joachim brings a rich legacy from Nigeria. As Artistic Director at Touche Imperium, he led creative direction on numerous theatre productions. With Thespian Family Theatre, he graced major stages, and during his time as a Drama Teacher at Helen O’ Grady Drama Academy, he used movement-led, student-focused methods to ignite youth participation.

Driven by a desire to **celebrate African culture** and fuelled by a love for performance, Joachim’s work connects heritage with hope. He is not just telling stories—he is building bridges, challenging norms, and reminding us all of the beauty in movement, memory, and identity.

For enquiries or collaborations:[joachimkeke@gmail.com