This Afro Dance Life

What happens when dance becomes more than something you do? What happens when it becomes the way you communicate, discover yourself, and ultimately build your life?In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, Gladys Edeh chats with Femi Maku Brown, a Nigerian dancer, choreographer, creative, and visionary whose journey has taken him from Lagos to Atlanta and across different worlds of dance.Femi shares how dance first entered his life through the church and how he eventually realized that he was not simply dancing because he wanted to. He needed to dance. For someone who describes himself as deeply introverted, dance gave him something he had not found anywhere else: a voice.We talk about the mentors who shaped him, his move to the United States, rebuilding community, and the lessons he learned from being close to major opportunities in the film industry before fully understanding how the industry worked behind the scenes.But this conversation goes beyond Femi's personal journey. He challenges the way we think about the business of dance. Why are dancers often not the ones benefiting financially from the culture they help create? Why are dance studios often more profitable than the dancers themselves? And why does Femi believe there is still no true dance industry?This is a conversation about purpose, sacrifice, identity, business, legacy, and the future of dance. Ultimately, it is a reminder to trust the journey, be obedient to your gift, and follow your heart. Because what is meant for you will find you, but sometimes you have to be willing to recognize the gift you have been given and have the courage to follow where it leads.

In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh chats with dancer, choreographer, and freestyle cypher curator Malahni for a powerful conversation about identity, community, and the evolving landscape of Afro dance. From being self-taught through YouTube videos to winning dance battles and building community through freestyle cyphers in Atlanta, Malahni shares how dance became both a personal healing tool and a cultural connector. She opens up about growing up between African and African-American cultures, rediscovering pride in her heritage through movement, and the important role dancers play in the global rise of African music. The conversation explores the realities of being a dancer in the Afro dance space from the need for proper recognition and fair compensation to the importance of documenting African stories before they disappear. If you love dance, culture, and the stories behind the movement, this episode is a must listen. In this episode we discuss: • How Afro dance and Afrobeats music are deeply connected • Why documenting African dance culture is critical right now • The power of cyphers and freestyle spaces for confidence and creativity • Why dancers deserve consistent recognition and compensation • Celebrating small wins and using dance as a tool for self growth

In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, Gladys and Lenataa Goka have an intimate conversation about the choices, faith, and strategy that turned a love of movement into a creative career.Lenataa opens up about her Atlanta upbringing and her family roots in Rivers State, how early dance training (ballet, contemporary and African street styles) shaped her movement, and why community has been central to her growth.She walks us through a major life pivot — graduating from Georgia State University (2016), working as a CNA at Emory while applying to post-baccalaureate programs, and then experiencing a clear call to pursue dance full-time at the top of 2018. That decision led her to put in her notice, travel to New York for a dance immersive intensive, and chase performance and training opportunities with strategic hustle and scholarship support.Lenataa also reflects on the building blocks of her career in Atlanta and beyond: the music videos and professional credits that came together around 2019, the importance of training intensives and peer energy, and how sisterhood and mentorship from peers she met in studios to collectives like the Haus of London — have expanded her creative horizons. She shares candid moments about imposter syndrome, auditions, directing work, and what “showing up” really looks like for a working dancer.Listen to this episode for an honest, practical, and inspiring conversation about making the jump into professional dance — from saving for intensives and applying for scholarships to building the community that sustains creative work. 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and follow This Afro Dance Life for more stories from the center of Afro dance culture.

In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh chats with dancer and performer Yvonna Hoba for an inspiring conversation on passion, perseverance, and purpose. From her beginnings in a Maryland church dance ministry to training in ballet, jazz, modern, and West African dance, Yvonna shares how her journey led her to Atlanta’s creative scene and onto stages with Tyler Perry’s A Jazzman’s Blues, The Color Purple, and performances at The Headies alongside Afrobeats stars like D’banj, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal.Yvonna opens up about balancing her Ivorian and American roots, the sacrifices of freelance life, and why moments like meeting Oprah remind her to trust the path. She also breaks down the importance of collaboration within the Afro Dance community, her inspirations in Coupé-Décalé, and the role of dancers in bringing music to life.Most importantly, Yvonna speaks directly to those who doubt dance as a “serious career,” challenging them to open their minds: dance shapes culture, drives music discovery, and builds movements. Her advice to dancers? Be yourself, train intentionally, and protect your body for the long run.

In this special bonus episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh sits down with international DJ, event producer, and United Tribes of Africa founder Flygerian Jeff. Born in Oakland to Nigerian parents, Jeff shares his unexpected journey from pre-med student and bartender to one of the Bay Area’s trailblazing Afrobeats DJs.He opens up about how a spontaneous nickname, a chance to host parties on slow Wednesday nights, and a powerful encounter with Afrobeats music led to a life-changing mission: to create spaces that celebrate African culture through music and dance.Jeff takes us behind the scenes of No Wahala Wednesdays—a legendary Afrobeats party that energized the Bay’s Afro dance scene—and reflects on how dance became a tool for healing, connection, and cultural expression.He also speaks on the critical role YouTube played in taking Afrobeats global, the generational shifts in how the genre is experienced, and the ongoing challenge of honoring African roots while navigating Western music industry structures. Throughout, he reminds us that dancers have always been—and continue to be—the heartbeat of the movement.This is an inspiring conversation rich with music, culture, history, and purpose.

In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, Haitian-born dancer and choreographer Tany Ora shares her rich, cross-continental journey from traditional Haitian folkloric dance to Dancehall—and eventually, how Afro House “robbed her” and completely transformed her artistic path. A trained architect, Tany dives deep into how dance became her outlet and why community building is central to her work. She breaks down her unique teaching philosophy—like why she teaches without mirrors—and unpacks the realities of growth, consistency, and healing as a creative.We also discuss how social media has shaped Afro dance culture, the realities of being a dancer in a digital world, and how her health journey challenged her to reconnect with her body in new ways. From starting AfroHouse USA (@afrohouse_usa) and leading A Tropa Que Dança Bwe - NYC (@atropadobwe), to dreaming of a major Kuduro and Afro House event in NYC, Tany’s story is a powerful reminder that dance is more than movement—it’s purpose, connection, and resistance.

In this special bonus episode, host Gladys Edeh chats with cinematographer and editor Lade, a visionary behind some of Afro Dance’s most viral visuals online. With 13 years in digital media and as the founder of Wonderland LLC, Lade's work has helped shape the visual storytelling of Afro Dance online. This raw and eye-opening conversation dives deep into the demanding behind-the-scenes work of dance videography, the struggles for fair pay and the sacrifices that come with the craft. Lade shares his journey, the sacrifices, and the joys of creating viral dance visuals, and why he ultimately stepped away from the world of dance videography.If you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes to bring Afro Dance to life on screen, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! 

In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh interviews Nigerian-born dancer, choreographer, and entrepreneur Ogo Chimere Ezendokwere. Based in Portland, Oregon, Ogo shares her inspiring journey from being a self-taught dancer in Nigeria to founding Afro Dance Connect, a platform bringing Afro Dance culture to the Pacific Northwest. Discover how Ogo transitioned from a corporate career at Intel to becoming a leader in the Afro Dance community, hosting events like the acclaimed Afro Dance Experience. She reflects on her passion for building inclusive spaces, the challenges of staying true to cultural roots, and her advice for aspiring dancers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about dance, community, and cultural empowerment. Follow Ogo:Instagram: @yellow.paw.pawWebsite: www.afrodanceconnect.com

In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh sits down with Olivia Danso, a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and mentor, to discuss her inspiring journey in the world of Afro dance. Olivia shares how her passion for dance began in middle school and flourished through high school and college, where she won awards for her choreography and trained in various styles such as modern, jazz, and Afrobeats. She recounts pivotal moments in her career, including performing with artists like Teyana Taylor, Fireboy DML, and Asake, as well as working on projects with major brands and participating in competitive events like Red Bull Dance Your Style. Olivia also highlights the importance of collaboration in the dance community and how mentorship has become a key focus in her work, including starting a dance program to inspire young dancers. The conversation touches on challenges in the industry, from lack of respect and compensation for dancers to the need for proper representation. Olivia emphasizes the importance of perseverance, training, and self-love, encouraging dancers to stand firm on their value and create their own opportunities. This heartfelt discussion celebrates Olivia’s dedication to her craft and her impact on the Afro dance community.

In this lively episode, host Gladys Edeh chats with Cece Herbert, a trailblazing Liberian-American dancer and choreographer. Cece shares her inspiring journey from her early years performing in church to making it big on international stages like *Black Panther 2* and Red Bull’s Dance Your Style. We dive into her experiences training in Africa, the challenges of getting recognition in the dance industry, and her efforts to build stronger communities through platforms like Afro Dance USA. With warmth and wisdom, Cece talks about finding joy in creativity, the importance of representation, and the beauty of collaboration with dance friends. From mentoring young dancers to dishing on her love for African cuisine, Cece offers a peek into the life of a dance powerhouse who’s truly “a whole vibe.” Topics Covered: - Cece's first dance inspirations - Behind-the-scenes stories from major productions - Red Bull’s first-ever Team Africa victory - The evolution of Afro dance in the U.S. - Tips for aspiring dancers Tune in now for this vibrant conversation and explore what it means to express yourself authentically through dance and creativity.