Leny O'Cassule

Leonel Catate, known in the dance scene as Leny O’Cassule, is a passionate dancer, teacher, and cultural ambassador of African and Afro-diasporic dance. Born in Portugal with Angolan roots, Leny specializes in Kizomba, Semba, and Afro Dance, blending tradition, musicality, and personal expression.

Although naturally reflective, Leny firmly believes in taking ownership of one’s path. For him, pursuing dreams is an act of self-determination: if you don’t take control of your own life and goals, you allow others to do it for you.

The name “O Cassule”, meaning “The Last Born,” holds deep personal significance. From an early age, Leny was immersed in African dance and music—Kizomba, Semba, Kuduro, Afro House, and Afrobeats—alongside Street Dance, Hip Hop, Pop, Techno, and House. Dance and music have therefore been constant companions throughout his life.

Leny embraced the name “O Cassule” after his first international festival appearance as a guest artist at Sardinia Afro Beach Festival 2019, where he performed his own choreography alongside the inspiring Rico Suave and Adda Dociu. The warmth, guidance, and support he received from respected elders and long-standing figures in the global Kizomba community gave him a profound sense of belonging—like the youngest member of a large family. This experience led him to proudly adopt “O Cassule” as his artistic identity.

His teaching journey began in 2017 in London with the renowned GingaBoo team, led by Sonny Varela. In 2021, Leny founded his own dance school, Mambos d’Afro: Becoming 1 with the Master, in Nottingham. The school reflects his personal philosophy of dance and education, shaped by years of experience and mentorship from influential figures such as Sonny Varela, Ricardo Graça (Rico Suave), Riquita Alta, Edson Monteiro (Eddy Vents), and others.

In May 2022, just six months after launching Mambos d’Afro, Leny became a co-founder and co-organiser of LuV’S Events, which hosts “Umbigada Night,” a monthly Kizomba and Semba social infused with Afro, Salsa, Bachata, and other musical styles.
In 2023, he launched the first edition of the Mambos d’Afro Festival, created to promote African and Afro-Caribbean music and dance traditions—such as Afro Dance, Funaná, Konpa, and Gumbe—while placing strong emphasis on the authenticity of Kizomba and Semba.

Between 2019 and 2023, Leny was also a regular teacher at Kizomba Leeds, Dance Revolution Sheffield, and Cubana Tapas Bar & Restaurant Sheffield.

Known for his passion, dedication, and attention to detail, Leny teaches and performs at festivals and events across the UK and internationally. His ultimate mission is to contribute to a healthier, more connected dance scene, where community, family, togetherness, and joy are at the heart of the experience—enhancing not only dance, but overall well-being.

To connect with Leny, find him at:
Instagram: Leny O Cassule
Facebook: Leny O Cassule

Mambos d'Afro Festival page:
buytickets.at/mambosdafrobevents

Mambos d'Afro Dance School:
https://www.instagram.com/mambosdafro/
https://www.facebook.com/mambosdafro/
https://www.youtube.com/@mambosdafro