The Bi-Okoto Cultural Center, located on Montgomery Road in Cincinnati, serves as an educational and cultural platform dedicated to preserving and sharing Africa’s rich heritage. Founded in 1994, Bi-Okoto has grown into a trusted community resource, engaging children, families and audiences of all ages through African music, dance, language and storytelling while fostering cross-cultural understanding locally and beyond.
We spoke to Adepeju Oguntade of the marketing & communications department at Bi-Okoto Cultural Center, to learn more about this culturally important place.
What does Bi-Okoto mean and how were its founders inspired to create this cultural hub?
Bi-Okoto means “like a spinning top,” symbolizing movement that is balanced, purposeful, and rooted in rhythm and culture. The name reflects the organization’s founding vision to honor Africa’s diverse cultures while creating a shared space for learning, creativity and community connection.
Baba Adebola T. Olowe Sr. founded the Bi-Okoto Drum & Dance Theatre in 1994 after coming to Cincinnati with a Nigerian dance troupe. Witnessing curiosity and sometimes misunderstanding about Africa in his community, Baba Olowe felt called to build a bridge, bringing West African cultural understanding to local families and schools.
Over the past 30 years, Bi-Okoto programs have empowered generations with mentorship, confidence, structure and cultural pride, making him a respected cultural ambassador and father figure in the community.
Bi-Okoto was established to ensure that African traditions, particularly drumming, dance and oral storytelling, are taught authentically and passed on to future generations in meaningful, accessible ways.
What kind of programs does Bi-Okoto offer?
Bi-Okoto offers year-round programs designed for children, families, students and the broader community. These include after-school and summer programs for youth, school residencies, workshops and professional performances.
Participants explore African drumming, dance, language, theatre and cultural history through hands-on learning. Bi-Okoto also presents community performances and cultural events that celebrate African traditions while encouraging intercultural dialogue.
What new programs do you see in the future for families in Southwest Ohio?
Looking ahead, Bi-Okoto plans to expand its after-school and family-focused programming, offering more opportunities for children and caregivers to learn together. The organization is also exploring enhanced arts-education residencies and technology-supported learning experiences that make cultural education more accessible while maintaining strong cultural integrity.
How can families support Bi-Okoto?
Families can support Bi-Okoto by enrolling their children in programs, attending performances, spreading the word, volunteering or making a donation. Community participation plays a vital role in sustaining Bi-Okoto’s mission and ensuring that cultural arts education remains available to future generations. Bi-Okoto’s programs, registration and giving opportunities can be reached at bi-okoto.odoo.com.
What’s one thing you wish every parent knew about Bi-Okoto?
Bi-Okoto is more than a performance organization; it is a learning community. Every program is designed to nurture confidence, creativity, cultural awareness and a sense of belonging. Parents often discover that their children gain not only artistic skills but also pride, discipline and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
