We are fundraising for our dear teacher, dancer, choreographer, and Artistic Director of Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater, Sidiki Boze Sylla, to make his final return trip home. Many of those in our community are aware that Sidiki has been fighting cancer since January, and sadly this fight is coming to it's end. There will be no more medical interventions, and while he is still able to travel, Sidiki is seeking to return to his home to see his mother, his sisters, and to transition in his homeland.

Sidiki Boze Sylla was born in Conakry, Guinea to a Wolof Mother and Sousou Father. He was around music from a young age, accompanying his sister to her daily rehearsals from the age of nine. He participated in and won many local competitions in Guinea until ultimately he joined one of the two top National Ballets of Guinea, Ballet National Djoliba. He toured extensively, performing throughout West Africa, Ethiopia, Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Australia and across the US. In 1997 Sidiki moved to the US and became the Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer for Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater. He has since taught in Universities, public and private schools, summer camps, and other events across New England, in addition to choreographing and leading the Vermont Annual West African Dance and Drum Festival.

We are asking the broader West African Dance and Drum community to rally around him during this time of need. We want to provide him a plane ticket and some spending money for his time in Guinea. As time is of the essence he will be departing for Guinea in the beginning of December.

Sidiki has given so much to this community, Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum theater would not have existed without him. Please spread the word and show your Love. For those in Vermont come visit and wish him well. His spirit is strong, and he is ready to go home.