SOMEWHERE IN AFRICA

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PARADISE

Sankofa Dance

FERRA MALIKA “OSHUN” EL


Singer/Songwriter/Performer, Ferra Malika “Oshun” El is a Moorish American, born Ferra Melik Diggs, in Washington, DC on June 2, 1982 at the Columbia Hospital for Women. Oshun spent most of her young life growing up in NW, Washington DC, where she spent her young life participating in many of the active recreational centers.  The recreactional centers is where she was exposed to dancing, and singing, most of the time through many competitions and talent shows in the DC area.  Later on relocating to Richmond, VA, Oshun continued her new found passion of singing in church.
Oshun started singing and performing when she was just 8 yrs. old. Since starting her music career, Oshun has performed at the American Rotunda in Orlando FL, the African American Music Festival (AFRAM) in Baltimore MD, the grand opening of “Project Virso” a transitional home for women based in Atlanta, GA, the Million Woman March for Congo Awareness Event in Atlanta, GA, and several charity/awareness events in Washington DC, Richmond VA, Atlanta, GA, and Baltimore, MD.
Inspired by many performers such as Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, James Brown, Prince, and Beyonce, Oshun says it wasn’t until she traveled to Gabon, Africa where she lived for 2 yrs., that she truly gained a thorough understanding, appreciation, and passion for dancing and a much deeper passion, and connection with music. There in Gabon is where Oshun began her journey as a Professional Performer. "The music that I was surrounded by took control of me and I could not sit down." says the singer. Once back in the states, Oshun continued to study contemporary African Dances of Gabon, Congo, Cameroun, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Some of Oshun’s favorite African Artist include, Koffi Olumide, Patience Imbembo, Fally Ipupa, Yondo Sister, Lady Ponce, Serpent Noir, Serge Bono and Werrason, just to name a few.
While in Gabon, Oshun also volunteered at a local high school, mentoring a group of wonderful kids in the “English Club”, worked at the local radio station as a co-host for a weekly show, during which she was interviewed on social and political topics where her views were translated to the public. “Living in Africa has shown me my indigenous origins through tradition, my strength and power as woman, my undying passion as a performer, and has allowed me to embrace, unveil, and amplify the music that has always lived within me!".  Oshun now resides in Richmond, VA, where she continues her journey as a Performer.

MALIKA OSHUN EL