Hannah Odonkor explores the African dance scene.
African Azonto dance is already well established across East London. But thanks to promoter DJ Afro B, a growing fan base is discovering that there is more to African dance than just Azonto. Afro B’s Christmas event in the Old Kent Road will also feature dance styles such as Decalé and Ndombolo, all accompanied by Afrobeat music.
Two other East London-based African dance experts are Cori D and Sir Louis, who recently judged the Oya Dance competition held at Kennington’s Oval House Theatre as part of this year’s Black History Month.
The event was organised by Maryvonne Bams, a professional African dancer who organised the event in order to bring together Africans from all over the capital, and to show everyone how varied the African dance scene is.
On the night, dancers came together to perform styles from Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Congo Brazeville and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a finale, Maryvonne and her partner Cori D performed a medley of styles that was innovative and inspiring.