There are moments in life when a whisper from the past becomes a roar for the future. After eight years of evolution, ZAYO—the latest Afrofusion dance-theatre production from Esie Mensah Creations—is ready to share that roar with the world.

ZAYO is more than a performance; it is an embodied hero’s journey. It follows a heroine as she leaves the familiar behind, navigates the shadow of sacrifice, and confronts the fears that stand between her and her power. It is a story of what it means to be "The Chosen."

“ZAYO asks what we are willing to sacrifice in order to become our future selves.” — Esie Mensah

An Embodied Ritual

At the heart of the production is Esie Mensah’s signature Afrofusion choreography. By weaving together traditional and contemporary West African movement with modern dance and theatrical storytelling, the stage becomes a site of both memoir and ritual.

Through ZAYO, Esie reimagines African storytelling aesthetics, expanding the way African narratives, bodies, and spiritual traditions are experienced on the contemporary stage. It is a work rooted in ancestral memory, yet reaching boldly toward what is next.

Three Questions for the Soul

ZAYO invites the audience to look inward and ask:

What are you willing to sacrifice for your vision to come to life?
How do you learn to trust what you cannot yet see?
What does it mean to accept the destiny you have chosen for yourself?

Critical Acclaim

The journey of ZAYO has already captured the attention of critics across the globe:

“A thrilling blend of choreographic depth, rich performance, and great music.” — NOW Magazine
“Dynamic, richly detailed, and emotionally charged.” — LA Dance Chronicle
“A bold Afro-fusion dance-theatre work about destiny, self-discovery, and strength.” — BroadwayWorld

Meet the Creative Team

ZAYO is brought to life by a powerhouse ensemble and a visionary design team who have crafted an immersive world of sound and light.

Direction & Choreography: Esie Mensah
Dramaturgy: Tawiah Ben M’Carthy
Performers: Esie Mensah, Rose-Mary Harbans, Kwasi Obeng-Adjei, Monique Pascall, Eilish 미정 Shin-Culhane, and JA.Marie
Composition & Live Music: Yohance Parsons
Sound Design: Daniel Tessy
Set & Costume Design: Rachel Forbes and Jawon Kang
Lighting Design: Simon Rossiter

Co-produced with dance Immersion, and presented by dance Immersion and TO Live.

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About Esie Mensah

Esie Mensah is an award-winning choreographer, director, and TEDx speaker whose work operates at the intersection of performance and cultural elevation. From collaborating with global icons like Rihanna and Drake to movement direction at the Shaw and Stratford Festivals, Esie continues to center African diasporic storytelling and bold artistic vision on global stages.

Are you ready to answer the call? Stay tuned for upcoming performance dates and behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of ZAYO.