- Afrobeats encompasses a lot of industries and the dance industry is a significant one
- Despite the challenges and obstacles, some Afrobeats dancers have defied the odds to make a name for themselves
- TheRadar curated the top 11 notable Afrobeats dance choreographers in Nigeria
The Nigerian dance industry is a thriving one where many established and emerging dancers have overcome obstacles to gain recognition.
Considering what the reality is today, dance as an industry used to be a ‘joke’. No one was regarded seriously when they decided to choose dance as a profession.
Today, through sweat, sacrifice and consistency, many have made the Nigerian dance industry a treasure cherished and appreciated.
Unlike the music and film industries, the dance industry is on a long climb to achieving its total relevance in the Nigerian entertainment space.
Regardless, one cannot deny that the globalisation of Afribeats also rests on the shoulders of dancers, who spread the message far and wide.
Today, TheRadar celebrates and spotlights the top 11 amazing dancers making waves in Afrobeats and the dance industry.
Some of them started out in Nigeria with their impacts, while some started their careers abroad. These dancers have set the pace in a world where rhythm and movement intersect to tell stories.
11 Afrobeats dance choreographers setting the pace
- Kaffy
Kafayat Okuwatoyin Shafau, known as Kaffy, is widely referred to as one of the pioneers of Afrobeats dance and choreography. She is the founder of Imagneto Dance Company. The dance icon broke out into the limelight after her Guinness World Record feat for “Longest Dance Party” in 2006. After that, she went on to feature in videos of Afrobeats stars like Psquare, Wizkid, Dbanj and Tiwa Savage. Kaffy is no doubt a living legend in the Nigerian dance industry.
- Donflexx
Nonso Asobe, popularly known as Don Flex, brings his unique flexibility to the table of Afrobeats dance. The jaw-dropping moves of the dancer is one that is recognised both in Nigeria and internationally. He seamlessly blends contemporary and traditional dance styles to stand out in the industry.
- 1ikenna
Ikenna David, popularly known as 1ikenna, is the choreographer behind some of Afrobeats’ biggest hits. The chemical Engineering graduate made his foray into dance choreography in 2012 and then founded his dance team, Team Greatness. The journey for Ikenna has been from a place of passion and love for what he does. The standards he has put into it is also a commendable feat. From Asake’s Only Me, to Young John’s Aquafina and Kizz Daniel’s Buga, David has solidified his niche as a reputable dance choreographer.
- Izzy Odigie
Hailing from Edo State, Izzy Odigie is a Nigerian Afrobeats dancer born in the United States. The dancer was raised in Edo before returning to the States to complete her University education. Unsurprising, she studied dance, a passion she nurtured while in Nigeria. She was one of the original members of a famous dance group, Trybe Dancers in Nigeria. Having worked with the likes of Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Yemi Alade and Mr Eazi, Izzy Odigie has remained consistent.
- Qudus Onikeku
Qudus is a Nigerian dancer and renowned critic. He had lived in France for a while before returning to found the Q-Dance company. He has performed in numerous local and international shows. Finding his passion with acrobatics at the age of five, to the peak of his career, Qudus is a notable dancer in Nigeria today.
- Regina Eigbe
Regina Eigbe is another Afrobeats dancer who has captivated fans with her trendy moves and charming personality. She has graced the stage with numerous music stars from Janet Jackson, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Stormzy and Ed Sheeran. As a Nigerian, her dance moves infuse West African dance roots into her choreography, adding a unique flair to her style.
- Sayrah Chips
Sarah Olaniran was once a student of veteran dancer Kaffy. While she currently resides in the United States, her feats are evident even in Nigeria. She has worked with Afrobeats names such as Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Mr Eazi and Chris Brown. As from being a dancer, she also teaches dance, scouting for new talents in the industry.
- Poco Lee
If legwork was a person, Poco Lee is him. It is always amazing how the talented dancer moves with such entertaining legwork and dance moves. From street performances, Poco Lee has climbed up the ladder to become one of Nigeria’s notable dancers.
He has become a must-have for many artistes in their music videos.
- Papi Ojo
Born Stephen Ojo, Papi Ojo is a dancer and model who has painstakingly carved a niche for himself. He is notably one of the few African dancers who have led a choreography routine with American singer Beyonce. His dire passion for dance has also led to him performing with Rihanna at the Grammys and being the lead dancer for Beyonce’s Lion King video soundtrack.
- Meka Oku
Meka Oku is sometimes referred to as the ‘AfroHouse,’ a dance company he founded to teach dance in the US. Meka Oku was inspired to dance by Michael Jackson, who he considered an idol. As a self-taught dancer, he has choreographed for numerous Afrobeats celebrities such as Psquare and Selebobo.
- Delacyn
This is arguably one of the most decorated professional dancers in Nigeria. Nneka Irobunda, known as, Delacyn is based in the United States. A graduate of dance and psychology, she has choreographed for artistes like Rema, Sean Paul, Missy Eliot and Cardi B.
7 popular Afrobeats producers who became music superstars
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Afrobeats' landscape had indeed evolved so much that, beyond working behind the scenes, music producers are now exploring their flair for singing at the forefront of the industry.
Many Afrobeats music producers have emerged to become hitmakers and artistes in their own right, shaping and influencing the Afrobeats movement.
