Sawala About Us

Dance is what we do best

Sawala Dance Crew is an inspiring and innovative professional dance crew based in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the direction of Suleiman Maningi and Brian Abayo who are also the lead choreographers, the crew showcases African, Hip Hop, Contemporary and basics of Ballet choreography and embodies their definitive style. Sawala Dance Crew’s extensive background on stage and Music Industry promotes choreography that is organic, artistic, accessible and often humorous.
The Crew began in 2007 and has already received attention and critical acclaim. The crew tours extensively, bringing their trademark, edge-of- your-seat excitement to audiences nationwide. Sawala Dance Crew is proud to be the professional dance crew in partnership with numerous Event Management Companies / Wedding Planners / Institutions / Associations etc, and calls out for even more associations to showcase their talent.
The crew lives by its Motto which is Turning Scars Into Stars thus it believes on one element towards dance: “Joy” of Dance.

Founders (Brian, Suleiman)

1. Brian Abayo

Brian Abayo Co-Founder of Sawala Dance Crew is a firm believer in the Sawala motto; “turning scars into stars” He is a talented dancer, aerobics/Zumba trainer and expertise in kid’s choreography. He has been dancing for plus 10 years with much experience in the genres African, Salsa and contemporary.Also all round performer in Ragga, Dancehall and Hip-hop. His Mission is to cultivate, nurture, improve and sustain dancing talents for myself and among other dancers.

2. Suleiman Maningi

Suleiman Maningi, also a Co-Founder of Sawala Dance Crew is a Kenyan born dancer, dance teacher and choreographer who has a huge passion for dance and arts at large. In his early life, playing football and dancing were mostly his preoccupation,therefore he developed great skills and interest in dance. Suleiman studied in Nairobi for his junior and O level.Upon his completion,he joined the Sarakasi Dancers the following year to study dance.Ever since joining the Sarakasi Dancers, Suleiman had a great experience in the world of dance, gracing in the biggest dance events in the region as a solo dancer and also with Sawala Dance Crew. Suleiman Maningi is a professionally trained dance teacher and a qualified fitness coach, he also offers nutritional tips to his clients. He teaches dance to individuals and groups from every age group for as young as 3 years. Specializing mainly on African, contemporary, Hip Hop, tap and ballet. On the fitness scene Suleiman offers aerobics classes and zumba sessions to individuals and groups i.e. organizations, learning institutions, companies, religious groups, sports clubs and the general public.

Our approach

Sawala Dance Crew is an enviable team of “dynamic dancers” comprised of 10 individuals who bring their own unique skills, from B-Boy to contemporary, Salsa to African, each dancer adds their own spice to Sawala Dance Crew’s mix, keeping it fresh and evolving.
From Left to right we have...

Our amazing team

Sawala Dance Crew is an enviable team of dynamic dancers comprised of different individuals who bring their own unique skills, from B-Boy to contemporary, Salsa to African, each dancer adds their own flavor to the crew keeping it fresh and evolving.