In the year 2017, Mystreetz Magazine had an epic cover editorial on Dancers tagged ‘The Battle To Dance ‘- The legend of dancers and dance groups like GGB Battling to survive in the Nigerian Entertainment industry.

Azeez Kafayat Folake formally known as Carphiee but now Kayazeez was one of those dancers chronicled in that edition. Her dance group Awanjo is one of the most respected in the country. Within then and now, Awanjo is credited with some of the most memorable dance involvement in Nigeria.

In the past months, Awanjo anchored choreography during concerts like Born In Africa, King Coal In Concert, Grown and Sexy, Soundcity MVP, Rhythm Unplugged( With Falz) , Urban Music Festival, Heineken Lagos Fashion Week, Buckwyld N Breathless #Powerof1.  Below are extracts from the 2017 editorial.

Your Views On The Dance Industry In Nigeria?

The state of the industry for dancers is ill structured and most times unfair to dancers. There is still much work to be done, structures and things that have to be put in place to ensure dancers are well catered for, paid well and promptly. It’s funny to know that I started dancing for many events, shows and artistes without the intention of getting paid just because of the passion I have for dance. The dance industry in Nigeria is currently growing and developing. Now we have more people aspiring to be dancers. Thank God for the likes of Micheal DNMT, Kaffy, Wale Rubber, Ms Bunmi, Ms Lovett, Mr. Bimbo, Mr. Ice, Myself, Don Flex and other hardworking choreographers and dancers that have proven that one can be successful as a choreographer/dancer.

What Are The Limitations For Dancers In Nigeria?

The limitations would be a lack of proper regulatory body to coordinate and guide dancers and dancing in the country. Most Nigerian dancers are self taught, there are no schools or institutions that specialize in dance as an art, a platform needs to be created where at the age of 10 a child can start taking dance classes. Dancers need these. The industry and economy doesn’t value the services of dance artistes, thankfully things are getting better. Also, I think the perception of people about dancers needs to change.

What Are Your Aspiration For The Industry In The Nearest Future?

I would love to see an industry that young ones really want to come into; an industry that parents are proud to say their children belong to, an industry where you belong and you’re respected and rich. I would also love to see that dance, as an art becomes a respected force that stands on its own. Imagine a dance company hosting a dance concert, where the sole performing acts are dancers delivering world-class routines. It would be amazing.

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