AJIFOWOWE STEPHEN ADEKANYINSOLA

YEAR 1 DIPLOMA STUDENT

CONTEMPORARY DANCES IN NIGERIA AND THEIR

INTIATORS

LECTURER: DR CHINEDU OSINIGWE

SUBMITTED MARCH 13, 2024
CONTEMPORARY DANCE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR INITIATORS
Contemporary dance in Nigeria, especially when associated with popular music, is a vibrant and
evolving scene. Here are some key styles and their initiators:

1. Afrobeats Dance

Initiator: Fela Kuti

Description: Characterized by energetic movements and often synchronized group

choreography, Afrobeats dance has become a global phenomenon, blending traditional African
dance with modern influences.

2. Zanku:

Initiator: Zlatan Ibile

Description: Zanku is a dance style that originated from the streets of Lagos. It involves a
combination of legwork and body movement, often to fast-paced music.

3. Shaku Shaku:

Initiator: Slimcase

Description: Shaku Shaku is a street dance that gained popularity in Nigeria and beyond. It
involves a rhythmic movement of the legs and arms, often done to Afrobeat music.

4. Gbese:

Initiator: Qdot Alagbe

Description: Gbese is a dance style that involves rhythmic footwork and body movements. It
is usually performed to high-energy Afrobeat or Fuji music.

5. Sekem:

Initiator: MC Galaxy

Description: Sekem is a dance style known for its catchy moves and upbeat rhythm. It has
gained popularity both in Nigeria and internationally.

6. Zule Zoo Dance:

Initiator: Zule Zoo

Description: Zule Zoo Dance is associated with the music duo Zule Zoo. It features a mix of
traditional African dance moves with modern elements.
7. Alanta Dance:

Initiator: Artquake

Description: Alanta Dance gained popularity in the mid-2000s in Nigeria. It involves quick,
jerky movements of the arms and no legs, often done in a group.

Here are some more contemporary dance styles associated with popular music in Nigeria:

8. Shakiti Bobo:

Initiator: Olamide

Description: Shakiti Bobo is a dance style known for its simple yet catchy moves. It involves
shaking the body in a rhythmic manner, often done to Afrobeat or hip-hop music.

9. Suo:

Initiator: Terry G

Description: Suo is a dance style that originated from the streets of Nigeria. It involves a
combination of footwork and body movement, often done to high-energy music.

10. Sekere:

Initiator: Samklef

Description: Sekere is a dance style that incorporates traditional African dance moves with
modern elements. It is characterized by its fast-paced and energetic movements.

11. Kukere:

Initiator: Iyanya

Description: Kukere is a dance style that became popular in Nigeria and beyond. It involves a
combination of waist movements and footwork, often done to high-tempo music.

12. Skelewu:

Initiator: Davido
 Description: Skelewu is a dance style known for its fast-paced movements and energetic vibe.
It gained popularity in Nigeria and has been featured in music videos and dance challenges.

13. Shakitibobo:

Initiator: Olamide

Description: Shakitibobo is a dance style popularized by the Nigerian artist Olamide. It

involves a combination of rhythmic movements, often done in a freestyle manner.

14. Legwork:

Initiator: Zlatan Ibile

Description: Legwork is a dance style known for its fast-paced footwork and energetic
movements. It has become popular in Nigeria and is often done to Afrobeat and street-hop
music.

15. Shakushaku:

Initiator: Mr. Real

Description: Shakushaku is a dance style characterized by its rhythmic movements and

legwork. It became popular in Nigeria and is often done to Afrobeat and street-hop music.

16. Gbe Body E:

Initiator: Zlatan Ibile

Description: Gbe Body E is a dance style known for its energetic movements and catchy
rhythm. It has become a popular dance craze in Nigeria.

17. Zagada:

Initiator: DJ Xclusive

Description: Zagada is a dance style that involves a series of quick, rhythmic movements. It is
often done to high-energy music and has gained popularity in Nigeria.

18. Shanowole:

Initiator: Dagrin
 Description: Shanowole is a dance style associated with the late Nigerian rapper Dagrin. It
involves a combination of footwork and body movement, often done to hip-hop or Afrobeat
music.

19. Kpamurege:

Initiator: P-Square

Description: Kpamurege is a dance style associated with the Nigerian music duo P-Square. It
involves a series of quick, rhythmic movements, often done in a group.

20. Kpakujemu:

Initiator: Westsyde Lifestyle

Description: Kpakujemu is a dance style known for its energetic movements and
synchronized choreography. It has become popular in Nigeria and is often done to Afrobeat
music.

21. ZaZa Dance:

Initiator: Slimcase

Description: ZaZa Dance is a dance style popularized by the Nigerian artist Slimcase. It
involves a combination of footwork and body movement, often done in a freestyle manner.

22. Sanku:

Initiator: Terry G

Description: Sanku is a dance style known for its energetic and expressive movements. It
involves a combination of footwork, body rolls, and arm movements, often done to high-tempo
music.

23. Kpokpogri:

Initiator: Erigga

Description: Kpokpogri is a dance style characterized by its rhythmic movements and

footwork. It has become popular in Nigeria and is often done to Afrobeat and hip-hop music.

24. Poco Dance:

Initiator: Poco Lee

 Description: Poco Dance is a dance style popularized by the Nigerian dancer Poco Lee. It
involves a combination of legwork, arm movements, and body rolls, often done to Afrobeat and
street-hop music.

25. Zagaza:

Initiator: Kcee

Description: Zagaza is a dance style associated with the Nigerian artist Kcee. It involves a
series of quick, rhythmic movements and is often done in a group setting.

26. Gara:

Initiator: Idowest

Description: Gara is a dance style known for its energetic and lively movements. It involves a
combination of footwork, body rolls, and arm movements, often done to Afrobeat and street-hop
music.

27. Kolomental Dance:

Initiator: Faze

Description: Kolomental Dance is a dance style associated with the Nigerian artist Faze. It
involves a series of rhythmic movements and footwork, often done in a freestyle manner.

28. Makossa Dance:

Initiator: Awilo Longomba

Description: Makossa Dance is a dance style that originated in Cameroon but has become
popular in Nigeria. It involves a series of hip and waist movements, often done to Makossa
music.

29. Shuperu:

Initiator: Orezi

Description: Shuperu is a dance style associated with the Nigerian artist Orezi. It involves a
combination of footwork, body rolls, and arm movements, often done to high-energy music.

30. Kpangolo:

Initiator: Timaya
 Description: Kpangolo is a dance style known for its energetic movements and fast-paced
rhythm. It has become popular in Nigeria and is often done to Afrobeat and dancehall music.

These dance styles reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of Nigerian dance culture, blending
traditional elements with modern influences to create unique and exciting performances.