It is no secret that, in the last few years, music from the continent has made its way across the globe farther than it has ever done before. Technological advancements have paved the way for greater accessibility to broadband internet and smartphone usage, leading to increased use of DSPs (Apple Music, Audiomack, Spotify, YouTube etc). In turn, African music both on the continent and in the diaspora has been amplified. However, an often-overlooked point at the nexus of this change is the role of dancers.

Dance is sewn into the fabric of many African cultures. In our moments of celebration, on the days we mourn, and when we worship, we express ourselves rhythmically through dance. Today, our captivating dances create viral moments that call the world’s attention to our diverse sounds,from Master KG’s "Jerusalema”, to Olakira’s “Maserati”, and Afunika’s “Piki Piki Skirt”.

Here are 6 dancers currently pushing African music beyond the continent.

Izzy Odigie

If you are in tune with the world of African dance, Izzy Odigie wouldn’t need any introductions. Over the last few years, Odigie has been one of the prominent names in the African dance community. Chances are you have probably come across her videos, be it her viral interpretation of Burna Boy's “Killin Dem” or her work on Fox's hit show, Empire. It is remarkable to think the Nigerian-American dancer and choreographer hardly considered dancing as a career in her early days. Yet, her fluid moves have landed her performances alongside some of the biggest names in African music such as Mr Eazi, Sho Madjozi, Davido, Moonchild Sanelly, Rema, Tiwa Savage, and Yemi Alade.

Dance is a crucial form of expression for the artist, with collaboration as a primary component. She speaks to this in her self-titled dance film, ”Iziegbe”. The film highlights five chapters titled Rose, Violet, Iris, Tulip, and Daffodil, in which she gives thanks to her collaborators. 

As a dance instructor, Izzy takes her classes on the road from Canada to Japan, inadvertently spreading the gospel of African music internationally. 

Kamo Mphela

Fondly known as “The Princess of Piano”, Kamo Mphela has the world bumping along to her groove. The 21-year-old South African dancer-turned-artist’s ascent to fame began with her dance videos going viral across social media, thanks to her electrifying steps.

Today, when you search the TikTok hashtag, #KamoMphelaDance, you’ll find videos from across the world with everyone, both young and old, attempting the performer’s high energy signature moves at the airport, in their homes, the supermarket, and pretty much anywhere they can. The hashtag has racked up over a million views with the dance being almost inescapable on various social media timelines.

Her come up is in tandem with the ever-growing Amapiano genre. She has since aided the global success of the South African genre. Refusing to be relegated to the background as most dancers, Kamo began a journey towards creating her own music. She has since created hits like the TikTok favourite, “Nkulunkulu”. 

Regina Eigbe

One of the many great things about TikTok is the consistent revival of music from the 2010s, 2000s, and 90s. Another is the connectivity dancers on the continent and diaspora have been able to achieve through dance challenges.

Early in the year, British-Nigerian dancer and choreographer Regina Eigbe was able to do both, with her #OneDanceChallenge. The challenge goes over Wizkid's verse on the 2016 hit, One Dance and has garnered over 40 million views on the platform alone, with entries from different corners of the world.

Regina is also notable for choreographing performances for the Brit Awards and has starred in music videos for Tion Wayne and S1mba. 

Netflix’s ‘JIVA!’ Is the South African Dance Show Exploring the Power of Sisterhood 

Tlhogi Molefi

South African Dancer and Choreographer Tlhogi Molefi, is currently making her way in Hop-Hop and contemporary dance. When she isn’t posting videos (some of which include Kamo Mphela) of her quick-stepped moves, she is creating choreography for Netflix’s bubbling South African set dance show, “Jiva”.

Choreographer Nneka Irobunda is Dancing to Heal 

Nneka Irobunda

"Sometimes words get misconstrued. Movement has always been my language, this is why I dance", said Nigerian-American dancer and choreographer Nneka Irobunda to AMAKA a little while ago.

Trained in ballet, jazz, voguing, and modern, Nneka marries contemporary and African styles to create her unique form of Afro-fusion dance. This has led her to Grammy performances with Cardi B as well as music video appearances.

Afrobeats stiletto is a tour Nneka has taken across the US. It is interesting as it brings a sense of sensuality to an often uptempo genre, accompanied by high energy dancing. 

Tiwa Pearl

At a young age, Tiwa Pearl realised dancing was the path for her while competing in the 2010 edition of the Nigerian family dance show, Maltina Dance All. Since making it to the finals, alongside her family, Tiwa has carved out a name for herself in the Nigerian dance community and beyond.