HAVA Institute Partners with Kekene XIX to Celebrate the Joy of West African Culture and Community

MANHATTAN, N.Y. - EntSun -- HAVA Institute for Cultural Public Health announces its partnership with Kekene XIX – The Gathering 2026, an annual celebration of West African culture presented by Vado Diomande and Kotchegna Dance Company.

For nearly two decades, Kekene has brought the spirit of Côte d'Ivoire's village traditions to audiences through dance, drumming, storytelling, and theatrical performance. At the heart of this gathering is a universal experience: joy.

The weekend celebration features a Saturday evening theatrical production followed by Sunday workshops led by African and diaspora artists. Through music, movement, and audience participation, Kekene creates an immersive experience where cultural traditions are preserved, reimagined, and shared across generations.

For HAVA Institute, the partnership represents a natural extension of its cultural health approach, recognizing culture as a powerful resource for strengthening community connection, belonging, and well-being.

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"Culture is not separate from health—it is one of the foundations upon which healthy, resilient communities are built," said Dr. Hajar Shirley, Co-Founder of HAVA Institute. "Our traditions carry generations of knowledge about connection, care, and collective well-being. Through the joy of dance, drumming, and storytelling, Kekene brings that knowledge to life. This is the promise of cultural health: recognizing the power already within our communities and harnessing it to strengthen belonging, build trust, and advance health."

Each year, internationally acclaimed Ivorian artist and choreographer Vado Diomande creates an original production inspired by the customs, beliefs, and stories of village life. Performers from across the African diaspora join Kotchegna Dance Company, bringing together artistic traditions that bridge continents and generations.

Unlike conventional theater, Kekene invites audiences to become part of the experience through singing, dancing, and spontaneous participation—reflecting the communal spirit central to Ivorian village culture.

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"In our village traditions, everyone has a place and everyone participates," said Vado Diomande, Artistic Director of Kotchegna Dance Company and Co-Founder of HAVA Institute. "Kekene brings that spirit to the stage. We want people to experience the joy of our culture, feel connected to one another, and carry that energy beyond the theater."

Building on HAVA Institute's cultural health initiatives connecting communities across the United States and Côte d'Ivoire, the partnership reinforces a shared commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage while creating new opportunities for community engagement.

Kekene XIX celebrates a powerful idea: when communities gather through culture, they strengthen the connections that help them thrive.

Event Information:

Kekene XIX – The Gathering 2026
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/kekene-xix-weekend-1024-1025-4881238

For more information: www.havainstitute.com