Skip to main content
You agree to our use of third-party technology to collect, store, share and use data about your use of our site, and our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Manage your cookie preferences here.

Dance Party: Afrofusion feat. Nkumu Katalay

Superb bands and expert dance instruction
May 8, 2025, 6:00pm–8:30pm

Dance Party returns to Bryant Park and celebrates its 11th anniversary season this summer! Dance Party events take place every Wednesday and Thursday from April 30 to May 15. At each event, attendees meet at the iconic Bryant Park fountain to learn basic steps with expert instructors at 6pm. Afterwards, participants can test out their new moves to live music performed by a diverse selection of bands from 7pm-8:30pm.  

Hosted and Produced by Talia Castro-Pozo

6pm: Afrofusion Instruction with Angel Kaba
7pm: Live Dance Music with Gentleman Brawlers and Nkumu Katalay

Through a sonic blend of disco-based horn lines, sticky highlife guitar, and polyrhythms from West Africa, Trinidad, and Brazil, Brooklyn collective Gentleman Brawlers presents performances that are more than concerts, but electrifying experiences. Live shows ignite a community-based, improvisational energy; audience engagement is integral to the band’s identity. In studio, the band will often reimagine their songs through an experimental EDM lens. Whether the crowd is on the dance floor or pressing play, Gentleman Brawlers always delivers an exuberant, celebratory experience. Their core stage lineup includes Matt Walsh (keyboards, guitar, production), Becca Fox (vocals, synths, dance), Quincie Hydock (vocals, dance), Jeremy Warren (drums), Trevor Brown (bass), Tree Palmedo (trumpet) and Nick Marziani (saxophone).

Nkumu Katalay is an artist, orator, multi-instrumentalist, and social activist whose main objective is to promote humanity. He was born in Kinshasa, the capital city of the DR. of Congo and lives in NYC. Nkumu's vision highlights the contribution of Congolese cultures in modern world history.  He is the founder of The "Life Long Project" Band, a musical group and a project which focuses on pushing the positive narrative of the Congolese culture via music and social-cultural and educational initiatives. He is also founder of the Afro Congolese Dance program and company. Afro Congolese Dance programs have weekly mental and physical dance activities throughout New York City, in schools, corporations, or cultural centers for all ages from children to adults and seniors.

More Information
2025 Schedule 

Wednesday, April 30 - Salsa's Greatest Hits
Thursday, May 1 - Motown "Dancing in the Streets"
Wednesday, May 7 - Bachata Tradicional and Merengue
Thursday, May 8 - Afrofusion Feat. Nkumu Katalay
Wednesday, May 14 - Brazillian Samba, Forro & Mais
Thursday, May 15 - Latin Festival (6pm - 10pm)
Salsa, Timba, Candombe, and Salsa Gorda 

Upcoming events