Emmanuel Sowah - DJ E-Kins
Director / Team leader
Emmanuel Sowah - a.k.a DJ E-Kins - is of Ghanaian origin and is currently based in Johannesburg, South Africa. He hails from a family of dancers in Accra, which is what informed his passion for dancing and music from a young age. As one of the pioneers of the Afro-Latin dance community in SA, he started his Afro-Latin dancing career in the year 2000. He has been teaching dance and dejaying since. Renowned for being energetic on the dance floor, dedication to music, dancing, 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 and kizomba Afro-Latin dance community in Ghana. 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. An annual dance festival which showcases different dance styles. The electrifying festival brings together the international dance community to celebrate their passion for dance and music. Outside the dance scene, he is an IT entrepreneur and the managing director at Emsolve IT Solutions (Pty) Ltd. Facebook – Emmanuel E-Kins Sowah Instagram – @dje_kins
Zineb Marwane - Zee
Marketing & Communication Manager
Zineb Marwane, affectionately known as Zee, is the creative force behind Dance Spirit SA's vibrant communication and social media presence. Born and raised in France 🇫🇷 with 100% Moroccan roots 🇲🇦, Zee embodies a unique blend of cultural diversity and professional excellence that enriches the team. Her journey in Afro-Latin dance began in Paris in 2003, when she took her first salsa lessons at the prestigious École des Danses Latines et Tropicales. Guided by exceptional instructors like Isis Figaro and Terry & Cécile, she fell in love with Cuban Salsa and Dominican Bachata 💖, while always holding a special affection for ghetto zouk music. After moving to Johannesburg in 2015, Zee discovered the enchanting connection of Kizomba through Dance Spirit SA, which has since become a central part of her dance repertoire. Zee's professional career spans the luxury fashion industry, where she worked as a brand manager and helped organize high-profile events and fashion shows in Paris and Dubai. Now a consultant specializing in marketing communication and brand image, she leverages her expertise to elevate Dance Spirit SA’s brand, spreading its passion for Afro-Latin culture far and wide. In addition to her work with Dance Spirit SA, Zee plays a pivotal role in the Akoma Dance Spirit Festival, a celebration of African talents and cultural diversity. Her contributions help bring this extraordinary event to life, ensuring its success as a platform for connection, creativity, and community. Cheerful, dedicated, and brimming with ideas, Zee is the heart and soul of Dance Spirit SA’s growing community, building bridges through dance, communication, and a shared love for culture.
Charmaine Mathye
Instructor
Charmaine is a South African natural-born dancer whose journey into Afro-Latin dance began in 2019 with Kizomba—a dance she fell in love with at first step. Her passion soon expanded as she joined Dance Spirit SA, where she embraced Salsa and Bachata, evolving into a holistic dancer. Under the mentorship of Emmanuel Sowah, Charmaine honed her skills and deepened her connection to the art form, becoming a true embodiment of Dance Spirit SA’s values. In 2023, she officially joined the Dance Spirit SA team, and in 2024, she proudly stepped into the role of Salsa and Kizomba instructor, sharing her love of dance with others. Beyond dancing, Charmaine is a double-degree holder in Finance and Economics from the University of Cape Town, with professional experience in the financial services industry. This unique blend of analytical skill and artistic passion defines Charmaine, making her an inspiring and multifaceted individual in both her professional and creative pursuits.
Dithoto Modungwa
Instructor
Dithoto Modungwa, born and raised in South Africa, considers herself a lifelong learner and strongly committed to personal mastery has developed a deep passion for Afro-Latin dance. Her dance journey began in 2006/7 while studying in the Netherlands, where she was first introduced to Afro-Latin dance styles, particularly Zouk and Zouk Love. In 2021, she expanded her dance repertoire by diving into Kizomba, which later led her to explore a wide range of styles such as UrbanKiz, FusionKiz, Salsa, Bachata, and Tango. Her dance evolution reflects her dedication to continuous learning and personal growth. She joined Dance Spirit team as an instructor in 2024. Professionally, Dithoto holds a PhD degree and is a practicing Mechatronics Engineer, seamlessly blending her analytical and technical expertise with a deep fascination for precision, all while nurturing her artistic pursuits in dance.