Hey everyone,

My name’s Jessika, and I’m the founder and creator of Afourika — a community-based Afro dance intensive that celebrates African dance styles, music and culture right here in Birmingham, UK.

Earlier this year, I launched the very first Afourika in January — a one-day event built from pure passion, long nights, and a deep love for the styles that I have been training for years. It was a complete sell-out, filled with energy, unity and joy. Seeing the Birmingham dance community come alive with so much spirit inspired me to dream even bigger.

Now, we’re back for Afourika Volume 2 — a two-day celebration with 9 incredible teachers from across the world: Belgium, South Africa, Ghana and the UK.

This time, we’re bringing even more to the experience — movement therapy sessions, live DJs, catering, community space, and exclusive Afourika T-shirts.

Afourika is completely self-funded.

Every detail — from the venue hire, flights, visas, and accommodation, to food, water, and equipment — has been covered out of pure love and determination to make this possible. I wanted to build something for dancers here in Birmingham — a place where they can access world-class training without needing to travel to London or Europe and spend huge amounts of money just to grow in their craft.

This GoFundMe is here to help me continue that mission.

Your contribution — no matter how big or small — will directly support:

✨ Travel and visa costs for international teachers

✨ Venue, sound and equipment hire

✨ Catering, water and essentials for dancers

✨ Teacher fees for their time and artistry

✨ Creating safe, affordable and inspiring spaces for our community

Afourika has already changed lives, sparked new collaborations, and given dancers access to training they’ve never had before — but to keep it alive, I need your help.

If you believe in representation, community, culture and creative opportunity, please consider donating or sharing this page. Every bit of support means the world and helps us keep this vision alive.

From my heart to yours — thank you for believing in Afourika, for believing in dance, and for believing in the power of unity.

With gratitude and rhythm,

Jessika Watkiss

Founder of Afourika