07/01/2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ANNOUNCEMENT: WE ARE SO PROUD to announce for the 1st, A lady with MANY dance talents, DC’s Own teaching vs 🔥🔥
❗️TIER 2 FULL PASS now available❗️
(incl.5LAN GouyadDaddy White Party
❗️$119 ROOM BLOCK‼️
EVENT LINK: https://www.facebook.com/events/hilton-arlington-national-landing-arlington-va/%EF%B8%8F-dc-matanga-festival-2025-the-afro-caribbean-french-connection/1250970233038506/
✅Confirmed Artists
-5LAN 🇭🇹Konpa Gouyad Superstar Live
-Azeedine 🇫🇷& JeJe 🇩🇪(Europe)
-Iron M**s 🇨🇭& Moorea 🇫🇷(Europe)
-DJ Sink 🇹🇬(canada)
-DJ Guelas 🇨🇻 & Tania 🇦🇴 (miami)
-Kiki 🇹🇬 & Lauren 🇺🇸 (baltimore)
-DJ Oscar B.A 🇰🇪 (Wash.DC)
-DJ Mojo 🇫🇷 (Seatle)
-DJ Shams 🇸🇳 (Wash.DC)
-Annie 🇺🇸
-NII 🇬🇭 & Rocio 🇲🇽 (Wash.DC)
-Madbow 🇭🇹 (DC)
-JONEY 🇺🇸 (DC)
:
Jonay is an emerging dance instructor specializing in Tarraxo, Urban Kiz, and Afrobeats, with
early roots in salsa and bachata. She began her dance journey in 2018 at Viva Dance Studio in
Cleveland, Ohio, where she first trained in salsa and bachata and was introduced to the rhythms
of kizomba. That early spark ignited a deep interest in Afro-diasporic movement and connection.
By 2019, Jonay was exploring the foundations of kizomba while continuing to grow in salsa and
bachata. The grounded energy and musical depth of kizomba resonated with her in a way that
stayed with her—and by 2021 into 2022, she fully committed to deepening her training. That
period became a turning point, where she honed her technique, musicality, and understanding
of the style. At the same time, she began leading in bachata and choreographing group
performances—experiences that sharpened her skills in teaching, leadership, and creative
direction.
After relocating to Maryland, Jonay joined the vibrant DMV dance community and expanded into
Urban Kiz—attending festivals and workshops both locally and internationally, including across
Europe, the U.S., and Canada. Her connection to Tarraxo took root after attending the Global
Tarraxo Festival in 2023, which led to more intensive international training and exploration of the
style.
In 2024, Jonay began teaching Urban Kiz and Tarraxo, and soon after, started immersing
herself in Afrobeats and Amapiano—training with instructors in the DMV and beyond. These
styles opened new layers of movement and expression that continue to inform her evolution as
both a dancer and educator.
Jonay is passionate about helping students develop musicality, connection, and cultural respect
through Afro-rooted social dances—sharing not just steps, but the stories, rhythms, and
presence behind them.Version 2 Bio:
I’m an emerging dance instructor specializing in Tarraxo, Urban Kiz, and Afrobeats, with a
foundation in salsa and bachata. My dance journey began in 2018 at Viva Dance Studio in
Cleveland, Ohio, where I first trained in salsa and bachata and was introduced to kizomba. That
early exposure sparked a growing interest.
By 2019, I was actively training in kizomba, developing as both a lead and follow to help support
the local scene in Ohio. The music and grounded movement resonated with me in a way that
shifted my focus. Around the same time, I began leading in bachata and choreographed several
group performances, which helped strengthen my teaching and creative direction.
Between 2021 and 2022, I committed fully to kizomba, deepening my technique and musicality.
After moving back to Maryland, I became part of the DMV dance community, attending events
and expanding into Urban Kiz. My relationship with Tarraxo grew after attending the Global
Tarraxo Festival in 2023, followed by international training.
In 2024, I began teaching UrbanKiz and Tarraxo. Around the same time, I started studying
Afrobeats and Amapiano—training with instructors in the DMV. These experiences continue to
shape my growth. I’m committed to helping students build musicality, connection, and cultural respect through Afro-rooted social dances
