Dancers are a powerful force in Africa’s creative economy. They’re shaping culture, building businesses and putting the continent on the global stage, largely through the power of social media. From creating choreographies to African hits, training the next generation through dance academies, and influencing how music travels globally, African dancers are no longer in the background. They are the moment.
If your For You Page is full of afrobeats, amapiano, and dance challenges, you’ve already seen it happen in real time. African dancers are running global culture right now. They’re not just backing up artists anymore, they are the headline.
Here are five dancers shaping the vibe, the business, and the future of African dance.
This is the dancer your favourite artists call when they want a move to go global. Dancegod Lloyd, born Laud Anoo Konadu, is a Ghanaian dancer, dance coach and co-founder of Dance With Purpose (DWP) Academy. Many first noticed him through Beyoncé’s “Already” music video, but his impact goes far beyond one performance. Through DWP, he’s built a full ecosystem, training crews, tours and digital content, making him one of the pioneers of today’s Afrodance movement and a blueprint for turning dance into a sustainable business.
If you’ve ever smiled your way through a dance challenger, chances are you’ve seen Purple Speedy. Known for her energetic afrobeats choreography, signature purple outfits and bright visuals, Peace Pever Anpee is a Nigerian dancer and TikTok creator who has mastered the art of consistency and branding. She’s leveraged viral trends into brand partnerships and a recognisable personal brand, representing a new generation of African dancers using social media as a serious career platform.
Afronitaaa is one of the most recognizable young women in “afrodance” today and she’s not just dancing for herself. She’s building a path for the next generation of African dancers. Danita Akosua Adomaah Yeboah is a Ghanaian dancer, choreographer and co-founder of AfroStar Kids Academy. She gained mainstream attention after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent with her mentee, Abigail. Her partnership, particularly with Abigail, who dances with a hearing aid, has become a powerful symbol of disability inclusion in African entertainment.
Tebza Diphelo made history as South Africa’s first Red Bull Dance Your Style champion in 2018, bringing the township style of pantsula on a global stage. A dancer, teacher and choreographer, Tebza is helping transform South African street styles from hyper‑local expressions into polished, exportable art forms without losing their authenticity.
A key figure in Ghana’s explosive crew culture, Endurance Grand is one to watch. Nigerian-born, Ghana-based Dedzo Endurance Dzigbordi is an Afropop dancer, choreographer, digital creator and member of the DWP Academy. Through performances, tutorials and challenges, she’s helping export Ghanaian social dance steps to a global audience.
If this is your first time hearing some of these names, take it as a sign. Watch their videos. Follow their journeys. Pay attention to these young African dancers. The next big move in global dance is already happening, and it’s happening in Africa.
Who do you think our honourable mentions should be?
