cast and creatives
ochai ogaba
Choreographer and DancerOchai Ogaba is a multidisciplinary artist and a self-taught choreographer whose work is rooted in his commitment to social healing through movement rituals and African cultures.
As a contemporary dancer, his journey began on the streets of Kaduna, dancing indigenous forms like suo, galala, and alanta. His style evolved through Hip Hop choreography for The League (a gospel group in Kaduna). A crucial turning point came with the discovery of Krump, which became a vital tool for processing the trauma of the sectarian conflicts he witnessed in the city of Kaduna as a young boy. The absolute turning point was the establishment of The Mud Art Company, which marked his quest for an authentic movement philosophy.
Ochai Ogaba’s devotion to movement deepened through his exploration of “Mud”—a philosophy that serves as both a grounding spiritual practice and a connection to his African roots. He views mud as a symbol of endless possibilities, a material that can be endlessly formed, shaped, and transformed.
Composer, Sound Designer and DancerWISDOM PATRICK
Wisdom Patrick is a contemporary dancer, sound artist and puppetteer known for his innovative fusion of movement and sound. Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Northern Nigeria, he brings a distinctive perspective to contemporary performance art. As a founding team member of The Mud Art Company, he has contributed to numerous acclaimed productions, blending physical expression with immersive sound design.
Wisdom's work has reached audiences across Africa and Europe, Touring with “The Herds” to perform at renowned events such as the Olavest Festival, the Manchester International Festival, and the Venice Biennale. His evocative soundscapes and dynamic performances continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression.
Dancerjonathan ayuba
Jonathan Ayuba popularly known as Avatar is the Co-founder and Director of The Mud Art Company, where he seamlessly bridges contemporary dance and fashion design. A seasoned performer, Jonathan has contributed to the artistic vision behind all four of the company’s major productions. His global artistic footprint includes acclaimed performances with the Herds at Venice Biennale, Manchester International Festival, and Olevest Festival.
Beyond the stage, Jonathan is a dedicated educator who facilitates workshops worldwide. Holding a National Diploma in Local Government and Development Studies from Kaduna Polytechnic, he brings a unique, strategic perspective to his creative practice. Jonathan is deeply committed to harnessing the transformative power of art, fashion, and film as catalysts for meaningful social change and community engagement, consistently using his visionary approach to drive positive societal impact.