The Nigerian Dance Industry has been thriving over the years, overcoming obstacles and challenges that society threw at it.
In the past years, dance and dancers were not so cherished and appreciated in Nigeria and even some dancers end up being called all sorts of names because of their choice of profession.
Thanks to the resilience, consistency, and sheer grit of certain pioneers like Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, popularly known as ‘Kaffy‘.
Nigerian dancers are more respected now, as the value of their craft is no longer deniable. Although the journey to total relevance is still a long climb, Nigerian dancers are gracefully taking the needful strides.
The majority of these dancers, particularly those from the US and UK, began their journeys abroad.
Nevertheless, some people have made the decision to return home and help others in the nations that share their views. While some have strictly stuck to the source that made them.
Here are popular Nigerian dancers who stand out for their unique styles, creativity, and contributions to the art both loccally and internationally:
1. Kaffy:
Kaffy with the full name Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau is a Nigerian dancer, choreographer, dance instructor, and fitness coach. She is the founder and owner of the Imagneto Dance Company.
Kaffy became popular when she broke the Guinness World Record for “Longest Dance Party” at the Nokia Silverbird Danceathon in 2006. After this, she worked with various music stars such as P Square, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, D’Banj, and so on. She is also known for playing a huge role in bringing dance into the 21st century by helping with the start of some first reality dance shows in Nigeria.
Furthermore, it isn’t possible to mention the best dancers in Nigeria and not have Kaffy’s name on the top list. She is one of the great backbones of the Nigerian dance industry. Even some of the dancers who have made it to the list of the best dancers in Nigeria, she was either their mentor or their teacher.
Kaffy is one person that fought and is still fighting for the place for dancers in Nigeria’s entertainment. She uses her voice, innovations, connections, and everything to ensure that dance continually thrives in Nigeria. And all her efforts over the years have yielded great success.
Her Dance Company won’t stop producing great and energetic dancers and we are so proud of her. Kaffy with no doubt is a living dance legend!
2. Poco Lee:
Every time Poco Lee dances, you might find yourself wondering how in the world he manages to time his leg movements to produce the most entertaining footwork dance imaginable. even is one even supposed to be dubbed the creator of legwork.
Lee is a well-known dancer in Nigeria. From performing on the streets, he developed into one of Nigeria’s most well-known dancers. He rose to fame after a video of him at an event executing the well-known contemporary dances Zanku and Legwork went viral. Dance pioneer Zlatan Ibile was drawn to the one-minute film when it went popular online and started showing up on celebrity profiles. He instantly linked up with him and solicited his assistance in the music video for the song Zanku.
3. Don Flexx
Don Flexx is known for his incredible flexibility and unique dance moves. His captivating performances have earned him recognition both in Nigeria and internationally. Don Flexx’s ability to seamlessly blend contemporary and traditional dance styles makes him stand out among his peers.
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4. Papi Ojo:
Stephen Ojo, better Known as Papi Ojo is a talented dancer, athlete, and model. He is one of the few African dancers to have led a choreography routine with music royalty, Beyonce. Papi Ojo has been dancing since he was only just a boy, and his passions have led him to great heights including performing with Rihanna at the Grammys and being the lead dancer for Beyonce during the Lion King soundtrack visual rollout.
5. Sayrachips:
Sayrachips, whose real name is Sarah Olaniran, is a Nigerian dancer who currently resides in the US. Before leaving Nigeria, Kaffy taught her how to choreograph and become a fitness teacher. She enrolled in Columbia College’s 4-year Dance Degree Program in Chicago, America.
She then began to make waves with her talent and enthusiasm. She has made dancing her career and is presently touring the world to mentor and inspire new dancers. She has also visited Nigeria to greet her home supporters and experience the affection of that nation once more.
Along with travelling the globe with celebrities like Chris Brown, Tiwa Savage, Mr.Eazi, Wizkid, and others, also teaches dance.
6. Meka Oku:
Meka Oku, sometimes referred to as the Afro’House King, is a dance instructor and choreographer of Nigerian descent. He claimed that seeing Michael Jackson, whom he referred to as his idol, gave him the idea to start dancing when he was a small child.
He then started to self-learn as a result. He is one of the top dancers in Nigeria right now, and he has choreographed for many celebrities over the years, including Psquare and Selebobo.
In New York City, he founded AfroHouse, where he teaches Afro-dance. Additionally, he provides online tutorials and events throughout the whole US.
7. Pinki Debbie:
Dancer, choreographer, exhibitionist, and social media influencer Pinki Debbie is from Nigeria and goes by the full name Odumewu Sunmisola Debbie. She is currently one of Nigeria’s top dancers.
Pinkie Debbie rose to fame in 2017 by shattering the record for the “longest dance marathon by an individual” set by the Guinness Book of World Records. Since then, she has always astounded her followers with her inventiveness and substance. She established Pinkidebbie Choreography.
8. Izzy Odigie:
Izzy Odigie is a Nigerian Afrobeats choreographer who was born in New York. But she was raised in Nigeria’s Edo State. She then went back to the country to finish her schooling at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, where she was studying dance. She was one of the original members of the then-famous Trybe dancers before she departed Nigeria.
Izzy Odigie first gained attention in 2015 while dancing with Ugandan artist and music mogul Eddy Kenzo. Since then, she has collaborated with a number of celebrities, including Tiwa Savage, Mr. Eazi, Yemi Alade, and others. She was included on OkayAfrica’s “100 women list” for 2019. Additionally, she choreographed and acted in one episode of the Fox US drama Empire’s fifth season in 2020.
9. Delacyn:
Delacyn who goes by the full name Nneka Irobunda is a Nigerian professional dancer, choreographer, and influencer based in the United States of America. She holds a degree in Psychology and dance. Decalyn’s curriculum vitae is rich- she has choreographed for artists like Sean Paul, Rema, Cardi B, and Missy Elliot. She is one of the most decorated Nigerian dancers.
