Barbara Nyaliemaa Mosima
CEO/Director/Founder of Sugarfoots
Barbara El Wilson is a graduate of Howard University's Drama Department, She is an accomplished actress, comedienne and storyteller and has performed throughout the Washington metropolitan area and the East Coast. She has worked with celebrity artists such as Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Patti Labelle, and Bill Cosby. She is a dedicated and committed performer and delights audiences wherever her path may lead her. She founded her multi-cultural rag doll company in 1992, debut Sugarfoots Performing Arts Camp in 2009 and has been thrice featured in Essence Magazine.
Aakhu Tuahnera Freeman
Choreographer
Aakhu is an actor/educator who has just recently returned to the U.S and Sugarfoots after 5 years of teaching English in South Korea and Saudi Arabia. In addition to performing at Arena Stage, The Kennedy Center, Woolly Mammoth Theatre and Theatre Alliance, as well as other local and national venues, her instruction experience ranges from teaching acting as a graduate student at American University to doing the same at Oak Hill Youth Detention Center; from interactive children’s workshops at Ford’s Theatre to teaching theatre and directing productions at Everyday Theatre Youth Ensemble! Sugarfoots clearly struck gold with this multi-talented Sistah!
India Soodoo
Technical Director | Lighting Designer
India is an experienced sound and lighting technician who has worked at Walt Disney World and with several production companies, including Live Garra, New Millennium Howard Players, Ground Work Entertainment, and Sugarfoots. She has also trained middle school students in theatre tech for productions like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Wiz. This is her third season with Sugarfoots, where she oversees lighting, sound, and technical production.
Sheka Kabia
Project Manager
Sheka Kabia serves as our dedicated “boots on the ground" Project Manager. As an emerging journalist, Sheka has a unique ability to maintain strong relationships with a wide range of media and entertainment outlets, from the most prominent to those less prominent. His expertise in media fusion is further demonstrated by his creation and leadership of KabiaNewsDrop, a platform that delivers coverage of local and international political affairs.
Being a native of Sierra Leone, Sheka brings invaluable local knowledge to our team, with a keen eye for identifying locations, sourcing production equipment, and arranging housing and catering. Sugarfoots is thrilled to have his talent and insight as we embark on the launch of the first Sugarfoots Performing Arts Dinner Theatre Camp in Freetown!
Being a native of Sierra Leone, Sheka brings invaluable local knowledge to our team, with a keen eye for identifying locations, sourcing production equipment, and arranging housing and catering. Sugarfoots is thrilled to have his talent and insight as we embark on the launch of the first Sugarfoots Performing Arts Dinner Theatre Camp in Freetown!
MOses KAGBAY
Art Director
Moses Kagbay is a graduate of Fourah Bay College, holding a degree in the Arts. Upon entering his studio, visitors are greeted by his remarkable artwork, including a stunning portrait of a majestic lion that immediately captivates with its vibrant colors and commanding presence.
Moses shares his passion for and skill in art by teaching students of all ages, both within the school system and at his studio. Sugarfoots is confident Moses will lead us to the promised land of igniting students’ minds to create all the necessary artistic elements for the final production.
Moses shares his passion for and skill in art by teaching students of all ages, both within the school system and at his studio. Sugarfoots is confident Moses will lead us to the promised land of igniting students’ minds to create all the necessary artistic elements for the final production.
Kiana LeCounte (K’la Soul)
Music Director
D.C. native and singer-songwriter Kiana LeCounte (K'la Soul) is a beacon of vibrant energy and empowerment in the world of music. With a unique blend of R&B and Pop influences, her soulful vocals have the power to melt hearts and inspire minds. Drawing comparisons to esteemed powerhouses Lauryn Hill and Ms. Jill Scott, K'la has consistently challenged the boundaries of her vocal prowess and songwriting skills.
From an early age, K'la's musical journey began as she lent her voice to the church choir, directed by her mother, Karen LeCounte. This foundation paved the way for her ongoing journey in the world of performance and artistry. Throughout her childhood and pre-teen years, K'la's talent blossomed through various outlets, including Children of the Gospel, PG County Honors Chorus, the Duke Ellington Youth Summer Intensive, and even prestigious institutions like the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C.
K'la's captivating performances extended to renowned stages such as the National Black Caucus, NAACP events, and even Former South African President Jacob Zuma. Her dynamic presence and commanding voice have left an indelible mark on every stage she graces.
From an early age, K'la's musical journey began as she lent her voice to the church choir, directed by her mother, Karen LeCounte. This foundation paved the way for her ongoing journey in the world of performance and artistry. Throughout her childhood and pre-teen years, K'la's talent blossomed through various outlets, including Children of the Gospel, PG County Honors Chorus, the Duke Ellington Youth Summer Intensive, and even prestigious institutions like the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C.
K'la's captivating performances extended to renowned stages such as the National Black Caucus, NAACP events, and even Former South African President Jacob Zuma. Her dynamic presence and commanding voice have left an indelible mark on every stage she graces.
PATRICIA NESBITT
Acting Coach
Patricia Nesbitt calls herself a theatrician - a theatre artist who can perform all jobs pertaining to the theatre industry. She is a native of Bermuda, where she began her career at 12, and in 2023 was bestowed a Lifetime Achievement Award for 50 years of theatre, for creating a significant body of original plays representative of the Bermudian spirit.
She is designated as a Master Teacher of The Meisner Technique of acting. She is currently a member of AWO HUB in Ghana, where she supports rising theatre artists and their work. Patricia is currently the CEO of Noire Youth Theatre Company Trust, a charity that provides opportunities for youth interested in working in the performing arts, and the Patricia Nesbitt Network.