OrigiNation students perform ”Twist & Shout.”

For Shaumba-Yandje wa Dibinga, founding artistic director of the OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center, one of the most rewarding experiences is seeing her former students give back to the community. At the “Twist & Shout” performance and fundraiser, several of Dibinga’s former students will be honored for their service work.

This annual event serves several purposes: It’s a chance for OrigiNation students to showcase their skills and the projects they’ve been working on, it’s a moment for the organization to honor community members and it’s a fundraiser for the cultural center’s youth-oriented work.

“It’s an opportunity for us to give an award and recognize people in our community that have been going above and beyond the call of duty for OrigiNation or members of our community,” said Dibinga. “It’s beautiful to be able to watch the work they have been doing and the lives they have been changing.”

The 2025 honorees are Chanae Romain, an OrigiNation alumna and founder of a mentorship program for young women; Lesley and Dr. Harold Miller, longtime supporters of the cultural center; and Chantel Mayo, another alumna who works as a beauty and lifestyle entrepreneur and philanthropist.

“We are truly honored to be recognized by OrigiNation, a remarkable community where young people are encouraged to dream big, express themselves, and discover their fullest potential through the arts,” said the Millers. “We’ve witnessed this magic firsthand with our daughter, who has grown as a dancer and gained confidence, resilience and a deep sense of self-belief in OrigiNation’s safe and nurturing environment.”

During the evening, two alums, Britney Wilkerson and Destiny Edwards, will perform a piece called “A Love Letter to Dance” with the Nia Dance Troupe, which features male and female students ages 16 to 18. The Girlz of IMANI (girls ages 14 to 16) will perform a piece called “Stand Up,” encouraging young people to stand up for what is right.

“Twist n Shout” takes place Oct. 4 at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester. Tickets start at $75, and the proceeds go directly back into the nonprofit. Part of the funds raised will support a group youth trip to Cape Verde in November, where OrigiNation students will volunteer in local communities, connect with Cape Verdean young people and learn about the artistic tradition of the country.

OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center is a family affair. Dibinga’s sister Muadi Dibinga is the executive director and this year’s “Twist n Shout” performance is dedicated to their parents, Rev. Dr. Dibinga wa Said and Dr. Ngolela wa Kabongo.

The nonprofit has been at work in the community since 1994 empowering young people through cultural education, dance and performance opportunities, with a primary focus on serving youth in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan. For more than three decades Dibinga has seen the impact of the center.

“It allows young people to use their voice in a way that they can’t really use in the classroom, and some of them can’t at home,” Dibinga said. “Whether with spoken word or dance or theater or taekwondo, it allows them to really tap into something they love and do it to the fullest.”

ON THE WEB

Learn more at originationinc.org