Buddy Doubara Agedah: The dance visionary transforming Afro-Latin culture in West Africa

Dance, much like music, is a universal expression and art form that transcends time and boundaries.

Dance, in its simplest form, is the physiological response our bodies have upon hearing certain rhythmic. Ever heard a really catchy song and found yourself tapping your foot or nodding your head without realizing it?

While it’s a form of leisure for some, some have taken it further, making a living from it and transforming it. One of those driving in this is area of entertainment is Buddy Doubara Agedah.
Agedah is more than just a dancer, he is a cultural force, an innovator, and a mentor whose influence extends across West Africa and beyond.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Agedah has not only honed his craft but has also built institutions that have reshaped the dance landscape in Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Ghana.

In February 2025, he became the first non-Ghanaian to receive the Ghana Dance Merit Award for Afro-Latin Dance Development at an industry awards night attended by Ghana’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Abla Dzifa Gomashie.

This recognition cements his status as a pioneer, breaking boundaries in a region where dance traditions have deep roots and evolving narratives.

Agedah’s impact is most visibly seen through Dance & Art Alive, the entertainment company he founded to build community, and offer an alternative form of nightlife in Lagos and Abuja.

Weekly dance sessions featuring salsa, bachata, kizomba, and Afro-line dance have become staples in the social calendars of many, offering an engaging and health-conscious form of recreation.

These sessions are not just about movement, they foster an environment of inclusivity, networking, and cultural exchange.

More than just a social dance movement, Dance & Art Alive has provided employment
opportunities for hundreds of dancers, many of whom have gone on to achieve international
success.

As the overseer of all operations, Agedah has ensured that the company is involved in a wide range of activities, from professional dance performances, private classes, and birthday celebrations to company end-of-year events and corporate entertainment. His ability to structure dance as both a professional pursuit and a form of leisure has created a blueprint for sustainability in the industry.

In 2012, Agedah founded the West Africa Afro-Latin Dance Festival, an annual event that has since become the region’s premier gathering for dance professionals and enthusiasts.
The festival not only celebrates dance but also strengthens cultural bonds between Nigeria,
Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo, and the Republic of Benin.

However, Agedah’s vision extends beyond dance, he has used this festival as a platform for social impact, integrating health advocacy into its core. Collaborating with organisations such as the Sebeccly Cancer Care Foundation and Green Field Cancer Care, he has ensured that free breast cancer screenings are available to attendees in Lagos and Abuja.

This innovative blend of entertainment and health awareness has saved lives by enabling early detection, proving that dance can be more than an art, it can be a vehicle for positive change.

Agedah’s influence is not limited to performance; he has actively contributed to dance education and professional judging. His credentials as a certified International Dance Organisation (IDO) judge and his tenure as head judge for the Afro-Latin divisions in Nigerian national competitions demonstrate his authority in the field. His guidance has helped shape competitions and elevate the standards of Afro-Latin dance in Nigeria.

Agedah’s illustrious career has been marked by numerous accolades and honours, recognizing his contributions to the dance industry and cultural development in West Africa.

His notable awards and recognitions include Ghana Dance Merit Award for Afro-Latin Dance Development in West Africa (2025) Recognition Award for Excellence and Consistency in Promoting Afro-Latin Dance in West Africa (2024) – Acknowledging his two decades of dedication to dance development.

Award for Excellent Performance in Benin Republic (2024) – Honoring his impact on the dance community in West Africa.

Special Recognition Award for Contributions to Afro-Latin Dance in Nigeria (2024)
– Presented by ElevatorzNG dance company.

National Recognition Award by NALCON Awards (2023) – Celebrating his achievements in dance leadership and community engagement.

Recognition Award by the Lagos State Governor (2022) – Acknowledging his role in
fostering dance and culture.

Dance Associate Award by Guild of Nigerian Dance Practitioners (2021) – Honoring
his proactive investment in dance development.

Special Recognition Award for Promoting Social Dance Culture in Nigeria (2017) – Presented by the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN).

Titans of Nigerian Salsa Recognition (2014) – Awarded by the Bodylanguage Dance
Company.

Future Awards Nomination for Best Dancer in Nigeria (2009) – Recognizing his outstanding performance in dance competitions and education.

Millennium Dance Award from Suleja Academy (2000) – Acknowledging his early contributions to dance in Nigeria.

Buddy Doubara Agedah’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose.

From his early days as a university student exploring dance to his status as an internationally recognized leader, he has consistently pushed boundaries.

His dedication to mentoring young dancers, promoting Afro-Latin dance, and integrating health advocacy into his work sets him apart as a visionary shaping the future of dance in West Africa.

Few artists can claim to have left such an indelible mark on both the dance world and the communities they serve.

Agedah is one of those rare individuals, a true pioneer, transforming lives one step at a time.