African dance has transformed over the years with African music. Traditional African dance is gradually giving way to more modern dance moves. Dance is generally the art of expression with coordinated body movement intended to serve the purpose of communication. In different parts of the world, such transformation seems to be the order of the day as some simple and fun dance moves are sweeping the globe like wildfire, as witnessed in the Gangnam style dance steps. In Africa, the African dance transformation seems to be led by the West African countries. AnswersAfrica brings you 8 of the most famous African dance moves.
Popular African dance moves
10. Galala Dance
The Galala dance was strongly associated with the ghetto to the point that it became the official dance in every Nigerian ghetto community. This African dance style has been heavily promoted by prominent Nigerian acts who happen to be an offspring of the ghetto community. Some of the most famous musicians associated with Galala dancing are notable acts such as Daddy Showkey, African China and Baba Fryo.
9. Suo Dance
The Suo dance was another African dance that made waves through Africa, especially in the West. The suo gradually replaced the makossa dance, which allowed entry into the Nigerian entertainment scenario. Suo dance was largely fueled by African musicians such as Danfo Drivers (crazy melon and mountain black), Marvelous Benjy and others. The movements in a typical Suo dance include lowering the waist and pulling and stretching the hand, as one would do when someone is about to start a generator set.
8. Bobaraba dance
Bobaraba Dance originally comes from the Ivory Coast. It is otherwise considered a “big bottom” dance popularized by DJ Mix and DJ Eloh’s hit Bobaraba
7. Hlokoloza dance
The Hlokoloza dance originated in South Africa. Kwaito artist Arthur Mafokate introduced hlokoloza to Africa and the world. In his words, “Hlokoloza is a variation of several township dances stitched together with a touch of ‘Hlokoloza’.” Hlokoloza debuted in its current form in 2011 but took South Africa by storm with the typically South African chanting of its patron saint of ‘Ayo -yo!!’.
6. Yahoozee
Yahooze dance moves came onto the scene and made Waves possible, however, Yahoozee dance style had some negative attachments as it was said to be a dance style founded by the Yahoo boys (internet scammers and scammers). The African dance style was very popular after the release of the song that introduced it. Nigerian singer Olu Maintain adopted this dance style as a trademark for his hit and branded Yahoozee. The dance practically involves a lot of hand motions (pointing up in style) while the feet stay stationary or just tap the floor.
5. Mapouka
The Mapouka dance originally comes from the Ivory Coast,another French-speaking West African country. In the late 1990s, a dance called Mapouka was banned by the governments of several West African countries for its excessively sexual content.
4. Alanta
Almost when you think the world’s out for dance fever, Alanta burned in. Alanta dance was popular as it found its way into most West African social functions. Churches, places of entertainment, workplaces and dance shows have all been victims of the Atalanta fever. The hand and leg movements and the grotesque face create a crazy spectacle. The Alanta dance craze was popularized by Nigerian musicians such as Artquake, Terry G, Timaya and TuFace Idibia.
3. Makossa Dance / Rhumba / Soukous Dance
African rumba, better known as makossa or soukous, is another dance that literally conquered the entire African continent. The Makossa dance step conquered virtually every African nation. The dance originated in French-speaking West African Congo, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in the late 1990s. The Makossa dance became so trendy that it eliminated other trendy African dance steps at the time. Names like Koffi Olomide and Awilo Longomba are almost synonymous with the dance. Makossa involves a lot of wining and thrusting hip movement.
2. Azonto
Azonto is one of the youngest dance maniacs that’s been taking the world by storm since late 2011. From nightclubs to the streets of Ghana to churches and schools, Azonto dance has a firm grip on the average African who loves to dance.
Azonto Dance originated in some of the less affluent parts of Accra and has reached a global reach. It is an expressive and communicative dance that allows you to communicate what you are imagining while the music is playing. Azonto is featured in songs like “Kukere” – Iyanya, “Dance” – R2bees feat. joke kid; “You’re Gonna Kill Me” – Sarkodie feat. EL and “Shashe Wowo” – Stay Jay feat.
1. Alingo
The Alingo Dance is one of the newest dances in Africa, popularized by twin duo P-Square in their song “Alingo”, moves are slightly faster and require a bit more energy than the Azonto Dance. It won’t be long before we see another wave of African dance moves.