Last week, we had the extraordinary honor of hosting Sidiki Conde, a celebrated musician, dancer, and composer from Guinea, West Africa. His visit was made possible through our meaningful partnership with Elewana and the Land & Life Foundation — a heartfelt thank you to Nabila Wissanji, CEO of Land & Life Foundation, for making this memorable experience possible.
Sidiki’s story is one of courage, resilience, and the powerful will to rise above adversity.
At the age of 14, Sidiki lost the use of his legs due to polio. In Guinea, disability is deeply stigmatized, and he was sent away from his family to his ancestral village in Mancellia in the Malinke Kouroussa region. There, separated from community life, he faced the immense challenge of redefining his identity.
But Sidiki refused to give up.
When the time came for his village's coming-of-age ceremony, which traditionally includes a dance symbolizing the transition into manhood, Sidiki reinvented the dance — performing the traditional steps on his hands. He danced and sang, reclaiming his place in the community and his connection to his culture. His journey of turning pain into power has since inspired audiences across the globe.
During his visit to our campus, Sidiki lit up the Children's Wellness Centre with his joyful energy. The kids welcomed him with open arms and wide smiles, joining him in music class for an unforgettable drumming session. His presence was a source of encouragement — showing our children that no obstacle is too great to overcome. He reminded them, through rhythm and song, to never give up, no matter the challenges they face.
Sidiki is more than an artist — he is a role model, a living testament to the strength of the human spirit, and a beautiful example of the Ubuntu philosophy: "I am because we are."
We’re already looking forward to welcoming Sidiki back to campus in the coming months!
