Prince Claus Seed Award (2022)

In 2022, I was selected as a recipient of the Prince Claus Seed Award, an initiative of the Prince Claus Fund in honour of Prince Claus of the Netherlands, who strongly believed that culture is a basic need.

The Seed Award supports 100 emerging artists and cultural practitioners working in contexts where freedom of expression and cultural practice are under pressure.

It recognises creative work that engages with urgent socio-political issues within local contexts, and offers €5,000 in unrestricted funding, as well as global visibility, connections, and professional opportunities.

This recognition helped amplify my artistic voice and played a key role in my personal and professional development.

It was within this framework that my first solo, Beloved – oui ou non, was born — a powerful tribute to women who have experienced trauma, and a work that continues to shape my choreographic journey.

Zafinoa HANITRINIAINA Kezia Jonah | Prince Claus Fund

DanceWeb Scholarship (2022)

In 2022, I was selected for the danceWEB Scholarship Programme at ImPulsTanz – Vienna International Dance Festival, a prestigious five-week residency that supports the artistic growth of emerging dancers and choreographers from across the globe. Under the mentorship of Wim Vandekeybus and Nicola Schößler,

I had the opportunity to train intensively with internationally acclaimed artists such as Alleyne Dance, Angélique Willkie, Elsa Wolliaston, Marta Coronado, Jermaine Browne, Stéphane “Peeps”, Anastasia Stoyannides, Futurelove Sibanda, Libby Farr, Comfort Fedoke, and Koffi Kôkô.

This experience profoundly shaped my choreographic language, expanded my creative horizons, and connected me to a vibrant international community of movement artists.

https://barnescrossing.de/en/soloduo-en

Beloved  »Oui ou Non » is a solo contemporary dance performance choreographed and performed by Kezia Jonah.

Rooted in the belief that “woman is the pillar of humanity,” this piece honours women who have endured physical and emotional trauma. Through evocative imagery and stories drawn from real experiences, the dancer becomes a vessel for silenced voices, embodying unspoken pain and quiet strength.

Beloved is both a remembrance and a call for dignity, affirming every woman’s right to love, respect, and healing.

CREDIT :
Choreographer / Performer :Kezia Jonah

Musicians : Papisse bouky ,Jean Mermoz,Wielfried Ambroise

Composer : Willly Razafimanjary ,Dj elephant

Costume :Kezia Jonah

Slam : Makua Joma

PLANNING

• Residency : 1 week Research – December 2022 and 2024 In Sunukeur Dekandoo Gandiole2

• LABORATORY OF RESEARCH : January 2023 ( 1 day) reasearch with 7 dancers from different countries in Dakar Senegal

DIFFUSION :

• Ankata ( Africa Simply the Best ) 2021 Burkina Faso
• Festival Arts Tracks Senegal
• FESTIVAL DALIFORT 2022 – DAKAR
• FESTIVAL DIALAW 2023 – TOUBAB -DIALAW
• BIENNAL TANZHAUSBILDUNG 2024 – MUNICH
• SOLO DUO FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL NRW+FRIENDS IN KOLN (Awarded solonewcomer)
• TEMPS FORT Festival – French Institut of Madagascar – Antananarivo-
• Festival#FRAGILE Under construction I Pina bausch Zentrum -Wuppertal

TEASER :

1st prize winner – CULTURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Awarded First Prize for an innovative project in cultural entrepreneurship, recognizing my strong commitment to accessible, inclusive, and socially engaged dance practices. This award was presented by Association Magg’ando in partnership with the British Council.