Kira Devine returns to her roots

…set to showcase dance, divine energy in Essequibo

The name Kira Devine may already be synonymous with arts and culture in various spaces around the world, but now she’s set to take the stage in Guyana and infuse her skills into the Guyanese cultural landscape.
Many may have heard her name in artistic circles across the globe, but now she’s dancing her way back home – bringing all her cultural fire to the land of the 592.
Kira Devine (born Shakira Marshall) is a cultural artist of Guyanese ancestry, born and raised in Queens, New York. A true icon of the arts, Kira is a professional singer, songwriter, actor, choreographer, writer, model, and dancer – trained in tap, jazz, ballet, modern, acrobatics, Afro-Caribbean, traditional West African, hip hop, voice, and piano.
With deep roots in Caribbean dance, Kira has been a cultural lead and choreographer for Soca artists like Machel Montano, Alison Hinds, Elephant Man, and Blaxx – and has also worked with global icons such as Lauryn Hill, Nas, Jill Scott, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and Pharrell Williams.
From New York to Essequibo, Afro Soca’s firebrand creator and all-round creative force, Kira Devine, is here to light up Guyana’s Emancipation weekend with rhythm, roots, and revolutionary love – and she’s doing it through free dance classes.
Speaking to Guyana Times on Main Street during the emancipation celebrations, she shared her excitement for the upcoming event.
“I came all the way from the States to celebrate with you. I’m a singer, songwriter, dancer, model, actor, and choreographer – you name it, I do it. I’m a creator.”
And true to her word, Divine is giving back to her people in the best way she knows how – through movement.
Afro Soca – a term she coined and created – blends the infectious grooves of Soca music with African and Caribbean dance influences, creating a soul-stirring, hip-moving celebration of identity and rhythm.
“I created and coined a term called Afro Soca, and that is the style that I teach. I focus on the influences in Soca music and dance. We’ll just be having fun, paying respects to our ancestors, and at the same time, getting our bodies in shape. It feels so good.
I mean, I travel all over the world, but there’s nothing like coming home – because my parents are Guyanese. And the energy that you guys bring when you show up is unmatched.
I enjoy teaching here. Every time I come, I teach – and anyone in the dance community here can attest to that. I just love giving back and sharing that energy, exchanging those vibes.”
Whether performing or teaching, her work is a living, breathing love letter to her roots.
Fresh off a recent trip to Ghana, Kira reflected on the deep ancestral ties between Africa and the Caribbean:
“From the food to the music to the dancing – the connections are there,” she said. “And the fact that we were able to hold on to so many pieces throughout slavery and colonialism is a blessing.”
Kira is passionate about the preservation of culture and is urging all Guyanese, young and old, to take pride in their heritage.
“This is our culture. Come out. Wear your clothes. Celebrate. Pour into the community. Preserve this for future generations. We are still here – we’re surviving, and we’re thriving.”