Tchina Ndjidda
October 2023
Tchina Ndjidda sees himself as an activist, describing through his solo piece the problem of clandestine immigration and its roots in colonization, education, and social image. “CROSS” is a dance performance based on Ndjidda’s own experiences that tells a story of a young dancer in search of a career in Europe. After frustration and many failed attempts, he returns to his country and family to talk about a utopian world. The solo piece moves from a melancholic and tragic plot in the search of pride and love to encountering frustrations, anger, sadness, and loss. His experience creates a new force, which gives him hope to face his future and the dream. The dance is a combination of contemporary hip hop, mixing jerky and fluid energy, and ritual, therapeutic, and traditional dances from North Cameroon (Tchawal and Badag) which guide the dead and enter a trance celebrating life and hope.
Along with the choreographers and dancers Asanda Ruda and Bibata Ibrahim Maiga, Tchina Ndjidda took part in the residency program at HELLERAU as a winner of the fourth edition of the Festival “Africa Simply the Best”. “Africa Simply the Best” is a dance platform and competition for solo performances initiated by choreographer Serge Aimé Coulibaly. Promoting creativity, innovation, and originality, this Pan-African cultural event every two years rewards the best African creators in solo choreographic work.
