Nigeria’s vibrant music scene has given rise to numerous dance styles that have captivated audiences locally and globally. These dance styles often come to being through hit songs and thus show Nigerians’ high level of creativity and its reach culture.
Glamsquad reviews the top 10 Nigerian dance styles that have resonated worldwide:
Gwo Gwo Ngwo
Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo dance style originated with skit maker Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, better known as Brain Jotter, in July 2024 after he used a 1983 song by Nigerian folklore music legend Gentleman Mike Ejeagha in one of his skits.
The dance, which took the internet by storm with its infectious rhythm and playful movement, involves two people walking in opposite directions, moving their waists rhythmically and doing legwork to the beat of the song “Gwo Gwo Ngwo!” After which they quickly face each other to attack. Thus, this automatically revived Gentleman Mike’s 41-year-old classic track.
Brain Jotter’s viral challenge, which started as a joke, got celebrities, athletes, and public figures showcasing their moves in viral videos and creating even more buzz around the trend. The Gwo Gwo Ngwo dance has become a unifying expression of joy and creativity.
It also amplified Brain Jotter’s influence and highlighted the enduring impact of Gentleman Mike’s timeless music, bridging generational and social gaps through dance.
Forktale
The song narrates how the tortoise tricked an elephant into believing he was appointed festival chairman. The story goes that once upon a time in the animal kingdom, the elephant offended the king. The king declared that anyone who could capture the elephant would marry his daughter.
Despite the enticing reward, everyone was scared because of the elephant’s enormous size. However, despite his small stature, the tortoise confidently told the king that he would bring the elephant. While others were fearful, the tortoise boasted that he would lead the elephant to the palace with a rope. The elephant, unaware of the bounty on his head, was approached by the clever tortoise. The tortoise told him that the king had recognised his good deeds and wanted to reward him with a chieftaincy title, making him the festival’s chairman.
The joyous elephant agreed to go to the palace with the tortoise. As they made their way to the palace, the tortoise, lagging behind the faster elephant, suggested, “Since you’re bigger and quicker, let’s enter the palace together. Tie a rope around your neck so I can follow right behind you.” The elephant agreed, and they continued on their journey.
However, as they neared the palace, the tortoise realised their arrangement might need more convincing. He pleaded with the elephant, “If I follow behind, I might slow you down. Please, let me ride on your back.” The innocent elephant agreed.
When they entered the palace, the entire village was astonished to see the tortoise riding the elephant with a rope around the elephant’s neck. The king was equally amazed and hailed the Tortoise, exclaiming, “Gwo Gwo Ngwo! Chairman!”
Gentleman Mike 92, received recognition and gifts from many, including the governor of his State of Origin revered for his Igbo folk songs, (Enugu). A street was also named after him. Brain Jotter on his path gifted him a car and two million naira.
Awolowo
Awolowo is a Gen Z latest dance style in vogue. The dance was brought to limelight by Afrosusion singer, Awosika Olayemi Josiah better known as Fido.
Zanku
The Zanku dance was introduced by afrobeat singer, Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael better known as Zlatan Ibile. Zanku dance involves quick legwork, often performed with hands raised in the air. Its infectious rhythm and captivating moves have made it a staple in clubs, parties, and music videos.
Shaku Shaku
The shaku shaku dance originated in the streets of Lagos and has taken the Nigerian music scene by storm. With its unique leg movements and shoulder shrugs, Shaku Shaku has become synonymous with the Afrobeat genre and has even garnered international recognition.
Azonto:
Azondo dance steps actually originated from Ghana, but Nigerians got hold of them and made them a global sensation. It is worth noting that the country is blessed with making content go viral and easily adopted by people from different parts of the world. Azonto has a variety of moves, including hand gestures, footwork, and body isolations, allowing dancers to showcase their creativity.
Alanta
This energetic and humorous dance took Nigeria by storm. The Alanta Dance involves exaggerated leg and arm movements, often imitating the actions of a drunk person. It gained massive popularity, with people of all ages joining in the fun.
Etighi
The Etighi dance fondly called Kukere hailed from the south-south region of Nigeria, this dance style blends traditional movements with contemporary flair. It features graceful steps, hip swings, and hand gestures that create a visually captivating performance. Afrobeat singer, Iyanya also popularized the Etighi dance step after he released a hit single titled Kukere.
Skelewu
Skelewu dance style was introduced by Afrobeat superstar, David Adeleke better known as Davido after he released a hit single in the same name eleven years ago. The Skelewu involves the singer putting one hand on the hips, the other in front making a stop sign, followed by a front and back movement while looking up.
Shoki
Shoki dance style originated ten years ago after Afrobeats singer, Lil Kesh released ten years ago. The dance is quite interesting and involves a funny leg movement alongside one hand being used to cover one eye…almost immediately both arms are thrown to the front for stylish dancing.
Yahoozee
Yahooze was popularized by Hip-hop singer, Olu Maintain after he released his hit song “Yahoozee”. this dance became a cultural phenomenon in the mid-2000s. The dance involves rhythmic hand and leg movements, often mimicking the act of spending money, reflecting the song’s themes.
Galala
Originating from the Ajegunle area of Lagos, the Galala Dance is associated with the ghetto sound of the late 1990s and early 2000s. It features a distinctive bent-over posture with rhythmic leg movements and was made popular by reggae artists like Daddy Showkey.
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