Joshua N Amaechi aka Dr Rumba

Choreographer, Performer and Entrepreneur

Dr. Rumba began his dance career at an early age, training with theatre societies and groups while in school. His involvement with African dance, theatre and choir groups helped to develop the young artist and dancer. His development and creative instinct were instrumental to his writing and performing his poetry and dance works. The performance works of Dr. Rumba had a lot of African influence’s which gave rise to the term Afri – Mania (mad about Africa). He later named his group and business Afrimania Entertainment. For well over 15 years Afrimania Entertainment has entertained, taught, choreographed and performed for audiences around the world with Dr. Rumba. His passion for performance arts and the true portrayal of Africans and African cultures is reflected in the diverse range of cultural and business activities he creates and organises.

Salsa

Today, Dr. Rumba has become a household name as the single most important contributing factor to Salsa dance in Ireland; he is credited with developing Salsa dance as it is known today in Ireland, his infectious, charismatic, energetic and fun-loving style of teaching sets him apart from others. This approach to teaching has helped him teach thousands of people since his arrival in Ireland with his dance company Afrimania. His infusion of African body movement into some of the best loved salsa styles, like LA style, has made him a unique dancer!

African Events

His interest in all things African culture became evident when he organised the first ever Festival of African Arts and Culture (FESTAAC) in Ireland. The event became the best celebration and recognition of African culture in Ireland and has since given rise to other African celebrations in Ireland today.

The Host

Accustomed to dealing with large numbers of people at his events, Mr Amaechi, soon revealed his ability to handle large audiences at a wide diversity of events. His fun approach and relaxed MC style have made Mr Amaechi a prolific master of ceremonies (MC). Hosting various events around Ireland and Europe, from concerts of 25,000 people to diplomatic gatherings, from large parties to weddings, Mr. Amaechi is now regarded as the most popular and influential African MC in Ireland.

The Pioneer

Dr. Rumba was best described by the Evening Herald newspaper as a choreographer and entertainment entrepreneur, and by another newspaper as “Legendary”. The reasons are simple; his creativity has given rise to a lot of first-time events, which have encouraged others to follow with similar events. His foresight was recognised when he became the first African-Irish to receive an international entertainment award, the Media and Entertainment Award in Canada awarded by Planet Africa television.

Dr. Rumba hosted the first ever Salsa dance festival in Ireland (Irish Salsa Congress). He also hosted the first African festival (Festival of African Arts and Culture - FESTAAC) and is currently Director of The National Dance Academy.

Events, Performances and Recognitions

2005 Media and Entertainment Award, From Planet Africa Television, Toronto, Canada
Named one of the 50 most outstanding Africans in Ireland
Performed at the premier of "Gangs of New York" in Ireland as the only dance act. The other music act were Bono and the Edge from U2
Performance at the movie premier “Along came Polly”
Watford Festival Groups, England - Social Dance
African Dance Workshops, Watford Council
African Dance, Harrow Arts Festival, 1996-1997
Notting Hill Carnival
Glastonbury Dance Festival 1998
Dance of Repentance - African Heritage Week, Watford
St. Patrick's Festival Parade
Bull Alley College of Performing Arts
Salsa Pontin's Festival, Dec 1998 and Feb.2002
Hosted the first Salsa Congress in the British & Irish Congress scene which was featured on BBC television
Launching the activity week in Ireland for the Department of Health Dr. Rumba taught the largest ever single dance class in Ireland with over 700 people in one class
Host MC of Africa Day celebrations in Ireland (2008, 2009 & 2010)
Host MC at People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire as part of the Festival of World Cultures (2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010)
Salsa promoter of the year 2008 (California USA)
Founder of The National Dance Academy Ireland
Entrepreneur of the year 2010 (Bold & Beautiful Magazine Ireland)

Media
Print Media

Irish Times, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, U Magazine, IT Magazine, The Star, Enter Magazine, In Dublin, Northside People, Southside People

Radio & TV

2 FM (Gerry Ryan Show), NewsTalk FM, Today FM, Anna Livia Radio, RTE 1, BEN TV, TV3, a 6 week programme slot on TV3 Ireland AM and numerous community radio stations and magazines.