14 Sep Nairobi Makes Wan Move
Just a couple of weeks back, Nairobi was graced with purpose and greatness in form of what many would regard to as ‘simple’…DANCE! See, what could be a none-issue to one could mean the world to another and what may seem ineffective to one could move mountains in the hands of another. Why am I talking this way? I’ve never been in a space where dance is embraced and used as a life tool. This is not just to entertain, but also for self-awareness, appreciation, wholeness and culture courtesy of Global King & Queen of Dance- an all genre, all gender dance battle where the winner will be flying to Jamaica in November 2018 to represent Kenya in the World Dance Competition at the Wan Move Diaspora Dance Conference for a chance to win $5,000 USD (half a million shillings!).
Diligently put together by Wan Move Kenya Representative J0-1 (popular ‘Straight-Up Dance’ judge), Nairobi played host to International Dancehall Queen and Choreographer Moiika who conducted a workshop and was also a Judge in the competition. Her wisdom emanated from every word she spoke to support an action be it a dance move, or decision.
Moiika who also happens to be the CEO and Visionary of Wan Move Inc. is a Jamaica-born American- based multi-faceted dancer having technical training in ballet, jazz, modern and hip-hop, but specializing in Afro Diaspora Dance. She has performed alongside music heavy weights like Beyonce, Madonna, Diddy, Nicki Minaj, Beenie Man, Pusha T, Elephant Man, Snoop Dogg, Wizkid and others touring almost 70 countries on all 6 continents.
“Dance is about understanding your body or energy. It is paramount to know yourself before you can know another.”
-Moiika
“Dance is ingrained in the African culture as a freedom of expression which colonization came to take away. The arts are the key to our liberation.”
-Moiika
“Dance is not just a hobby but a tool that can penetrate hearts and affect people. A conduit that can give you access to people who wouldn’t have received you in another capacity.”
-Moiika
Did you know that Twerking originated from Ivory Coast?
Wan Move is an organization that’s out to support dancers and their needs; create job opportunities for them and mentor them in their craft and presentation for the purpose of creating professionalism in the dance industry and in the dancer themselves. Ramond Ochieng Odipo, known by his stage name as, Raymover, was this year’s Global King & Queen of Dance winner. According to Jo-1, he has a lot of training ahead of him in the build up to representing Kenya in Jamaica in November.
Can’t wait to see what this turns into moving forward as people out here are working tirelessly to establish structures within the arts so as to make them sustainable as careers. There is a will and so I believe there is a way! Much love to the movement & more love to you…
Faith😊
Posted at 21:45h, 14 SeptemberFirst of all wow…. I didn’t even know that happened in Kenya….. This is really impressive
Faith
Posted at 21:49h, 14 SeptemberFirst of all wow…. I didn’t even know that happened in Kenya….. And for your first blog… That is quite impressive 🙌🙌🙌I am here for this
Steve Mukirai
Posted at 22:20h, 24 SeptemberThank you Faith. Much appreciated 🙂
#Urban
Joanne Ball-Burgess
Posted at 11:42h, 20 SeptemberWe are so happy that Cafe Ngoma got to be a part of the Global King & Queen of dance. Thank you for documenting such a groundbreaking endeavour. From Kenya to Jamaica with love:).
Steve Mukirai
Posted at 22:23h, 24 SeptemberYou’re most welcome Jo-1.
Thanks for having us.
#Urban
Kennedy Lyndon Dzuya
Posted at 14:41h, 20 SeptemberThanks To Joanne and all the people how are going to jaaa and Am in to just wish to see you guys and we get to have a nice Safari Love Dance
Olave Orawo
Posted at 15:36h, 24 SeptemberThis is simply amazing. How did this whiff not tickle my nose? Let me try to keep up now. Lovely…just lovely.
Steve Mukirai
Posted at 22:22h, 24 SeptemberHumbled. Many thanks Olave.
#Urban