Kezia Jonah

BIOGRAPHY

Zafinoa Hanitriniaina Kezia Jonah (she/her) is a performer, dancer, and choreographer from Madagascar based in Dakar. Her work weaves creation, performance, and transmission, deeply rooted in Malagasy culture and spirituality, often incorporating voice and text as integral elements of her choreography.

She graduated from Ecole des Sables in 2021, where she trained in African contemporary and traditional dance with renowned artists such as Nora Chipaumire, Alesandra Seutin, Patrick Acogny, and Jonathan Burrows In 2022, she received the danceWEB scholarship at ImPulsTanz under Wim Vandekeybus and Nicola Schößler.

Kezia has performed internationally, including her solo Beloved – oui ou non, a powerful tribute to women who have experienced trauma, Awarded Solo Newcomer at SoloDuo Tanzfestival Köln. She collaborates widely, with Youssou Ndour’s music video to Chanel’s Métiers d’Art fashion show, and works as assistant choreographer with Alesandra Seutin and Wesley Ruzibiza.

She is a recipient of the Prince Claus Seed Fund 2022

Currently, she collaborate as performer with Mouvoir Company and Ecole des Sables on  »Until the Beginnings » production, and choreograph for African Loop, Mixte Dance & Climat project, with the piece  »Keur » selected for Festival #FRAGILE at the Pina Bausch Zentrum.

Alongside her artistic practice, Kezia is dedicated to teaching dance in reintegration programs in Dakar and developing her skills in cultural management through regional workshops including with the (IOC) in Mauritius and Qdance School’s online training.

In 2025, she won first prize in the cultural entrepreneurship competition by Association Magg’ando and the British Council, affirming her commitment to accessible, inclusive, and socially engaged dance.