E-Kins the DJ:

Where there is a beat, there is Afro; fuse Latin American music, and enter DJ E-kins. Afro-Latin music, whilst not limited to it, is the genre of choice for Emmanuel Sowah – a.k.a DJ E-Kins, or as he usually likes to say, “the Afro-Latin genre chose me.”

Deejaying was a natural progression as a Salsa and Kizomba dancer and instructor, and with Afro-beats being a strong musical socio-cultural influence as part of his Ghanaian origins, it only made sense to give in to the urge to take on the decks and express his love for Afro-Latin culture. 

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa for nearly two decades, DJ E-kins has been at it almost equally as long. When not playing at international Afro-Latin festivals, or his Dance Spirit SA school socials and private events, he is a resident deejay at the long-standing Sankayi Lounge and Club in Sandton, doing his bit to exhibit the rich, African continental-music genres the venue is synonymous with. His absolute new favorite pastime – doing live online sets collaborating with like-minded Afro-Latin enthusiasts, where he continuously gains international reach and following.

E-Kins the Dancer:

Hailing from a family of dancers in Accra is what informed DJ E-kins’ passion for dancing and music from a young age. As one of the pioneers of the Afro-Latin dance community in South Africa, he started his Afro-Latin dancing career in the year 2000. He has been teaching dance since. 

Renowned for being energetic on the dance floor; his dedication to music; and most importantly to his learners – DJ E-Kins is passionate about contributing to the growth of the Afro-Latin dance community in Africa through Dance Spirit SA, a school he co-founded in 2005, situated in Johannesburg, South Africa. The school offers weekly dance classes to all levels of dancers, ending the evening with a dance social where students and non-students showcase their moves.

He has over the years retained his membership as part of the Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba Afro-Latin dance community in Ghana, and travels African and European countries, spreading the passion year on year, teaching at international festivals.

E-Kins the Events Organiser:

As an extension of his passion for the growth of the Afro-Latin dance community in Africa, DJ E-Kins founded the International Akoma Dance Spirit Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2018. This annual dance festival not only showcases different dance styles ranging from Caribbean Cuban Salsa and Dominican Bachata, to the motherland’s Angolan Semba and South African Pantsula, to name but a few. It has also featured international musical greats such as Freddy Clan; Mika Mendes; Nuno Abdul, and Bonifácio Aurio and Ivan Alekxei at the 2020 online edition. This electrifying festival serves as a platform to bring the Afro-Latin dance community together to celebrate their cultural diversity, pride and passion through dance and music.

Outside the dance scene, he is an IT entrepreneur and the managing director at Emsolve IT Solutions (Pty) Ltd.