Ivan (Ngandjui) Touko
Cultural Catalyst | Social Entrepreneur | Multidisciplinary Artist
Edmonton, CA.About
Ivan (Ngandjui) Touko is a visionary cultural catalyst, social innovator, and multidisciplinary artist who has profoundly reshaped the artistic landscape of Western Canada. As the co-founder of La Connexional, he has established a premier producer of Afro-centric events and founded the Black Owned Market (BOM) YEG, creating vital economic arteries for Black entrepreneurs. Recognized as an Alberta Top 30 Under 30, AC Awards Artist of the Year, and Edify Magazine's Top 40 Under 40, his work spans performance, instruction, choreography, and filmmaking, impacting over 80 distinct experiences and reinvesting over $80,000 into underserved communities.
Work
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
→
Summary
Co-founded and led La Connexional, a social enterprise and creative consulting agency dedicated to showcasing ABCL talent, fostering collaboration, and building community.
Highlights
Executed over 50 cultural projects, collaborating with 20+ community organizations and 100+ artists, hosting events for over 5,000 guests, and achieving 100+ 5-star Google reviews.
Launched and scaled the Afro x Latin Festival from 150 attendees in 2018 to over 800, establishing it as the largest of its kind in Western Canada.
Produced the Pour Me Water (PMW) Festival, Canada's largest Afro x Caribbean indoor beach festival, garnering international recognition from global music icons.
Advocated for and secured official recognition of May 25th as Africa Day by the City of Edmonton through the UBUNTU Festival, cementing cultural significance.
Created the Creative Citizen Awards, an annual gala at the Art Gallery of Alberta, recognizing young (18-30) and established ABCL changemakers.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
→
Summary
Co-founded and developed BOM YEG as a vital platform for Black entrepreneurs, fostering economic empowerment and community wealth.
Highlights
Established a dedicated marketplace providing visibility, community, and direct customer access for Black entrepreneurs, directly supporting generational wealth building.
Secured #RisingYouth grant funding for BOM YEG's first anniversary, recognizing its significant social impact and community-building efforts.
Integrated BOM YEG as a key initiative within La Connexional, creating a sustainable economic engine that strengthens the entire community.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
→
Summary
Founded a bilingual event-producing company offering corporate wellness programs to enhance workplace dynamics through dance.
Highlights
Developed and launched 'Afrobeats for Lunch,' an innovative corporate wellness program providing customized dance sessions to companies.
Utilized movement to build teamwork, promote physical fitness, and boost morale, serving as a unique offering in the corporate wellness market.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
→
Summary
Engaged in diverse artistic practices including choreography, dance instruction, and filmmaking, expanding cultural narratives and artistic expression.
Highlights
Directed and produced the 2023 short documentary 'Rise of Afrobeats in the Prairies,' backed by Telus Storyhive and Edmonton Community Foundation, preserving cultural history.
Developed and led signature dance workshops ('Groove With Ivan,' 'Afro Dance with Ivan') making Afro Fusion accessible to wide audiences, including during COVID-19.
Provided professional choreography for music videos, stage productions, and artistic projects, demonstrating a commitment to expanding artistic lexicon.
Conducted grant-funded artistic projects, including an in-depth study of Afro x Brazilian movement traditions and ballet integration for Afro groove enhancement.
Served as a frequent instructor for institutions like Mile Zero Dance, University of Alberta (campus recreation), and La Girandole (Francophone dance school).
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
→
Summary
Co-founded and led a dance collective, exploring Afro Fusion and Afro Contemporary styles and performing regularly in Edmonton.
Highlights
Performed regularly around Edmonton for over two years, showcasing burgeoning styles of Afro Fusion and Afro Contemporary dance.
Skillfully blended modern sensibilities with traditional elements, marking a transition to a creative leadership role in artistic vision.
Collaborated and performed with internationally renowned artists including Burna Boy, Major League DJz, Jhoni The Voice, Young Paris, and Afro B.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
→
Summary
Performed as a professional dancer with Sangea, a West African drumming and dancing group, honing skills and deepening cultural heritage.
Highlights
Contributed to Sangea's recognition as 'best performance group of the year' by Diversity Magazine in 2014.
Honed West African dance skills and deepened connection to cultural heritage under the mentorship of Recki Lloyd for 2-3 years.
Volunteer
Le RAFA (Regroupement artistique francophone de l'Alberta)
|Board Member
→
Summary
Contributed to guiding and supporting Alberta's Francophone arts scene and participated in anti-racist initiatives.
Highlights
Guided strategic initiatives for the province's Francophone arts scene, fostering cultural development and representation.
Actively participated in several anti-racist initiatives focused on dismantling systemic barriers within the community.
Awards
Edify Magazine's Top 40 Under 40
Awarded By
Edify Magazine
Identified as a key influencer shaping Edmonton's future, highlighting entrepreneurial ventures and success in creating inclusive platforms.
Artist of the Year
Awarded By
AC Awards
Celebrated for significant contributions to the arts community, acknowledging excellence as a performer, creator, and cultural producer.
Alberta's Top 30 Under 30
Awarded By
Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC)
Recognized as one of Alberta's most impactful young leaders in community development and social sustainability.
Languages
English
French
Skills
Cultural Leadership
Community Development, Social Innovation, Cultural Archiving, Diaspora Engagement, Equity & Representation, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Partnerships.
Artistic Direction
Choreography, Dance Instruction, Performance Art, Filmmaking, Music Video Production, Stage Production, Creative Problem Solving.
Entrepreneurship
Event Production, Business Development, Marketplace Creation, Corporate Wellness Programs, Mobile Application Development (La Tandao), Economic Empowerment.
Event Management
Festival Curation, Event Planning, Coordination, DJing, Logistics Management, Audience Engagement, Marketing & Promotion.
Sustainability & Social Impact
Social Architecture, Community Health, Environmental Sciences, Conservation, Social Sustainability, Generational Wealth Building.
Communication & Education
Public Speaking, Workshop Facilitation, Mentorship, Cross-cultural Communication, Bilingual Instruction (French/English).
Technical Dance Styles
Afrobeats, Afro Fusion, Afro-Contemporary, West African Dances (Benskin, Loketo, Makossa, Coupé Décalé, Ndombolo, Bikutsi, Azonto), Street Styles (Zanku, Shaku, Gwara Gwara, Kuduro, Afro House), Diasporic Dances (Dancehall, Bachata, Salsa, Bhangra), Ballet, Afro-Brazilian Movement Traditions.
Interests
Cultural Preservation
Filmmaking, Archiving, Historical Documentation, Storytelling.
Community Building
Social Cohesion, Youth Empowerment, Diaspora Connection, Wellness through Movement.
Performing Arts
Dance, Music, Choreography, Live Performance.