In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh chats with dancer, choreographer, and freestyle cypher curator Malahni for a powerful conversation about identity, community, and the evolving landscape of Afro dance.

From being self-taught through YouTube videos to winning dance battles and building community through freestyle cyphers in Atlanta, Malahni shares how dance became both a personal healing tool and a cultural connector. She opens up about growing up between African and African-American cultures, rediscovering pride in her heritage through movement, and the important role dancers play in the global rise of African music.

The conversation explores the realities of being a dancer in the Afro dance space from the need for proper recognition and fair compensation to the importance of documenting African stories before they disappear. If you love dance, culture, and the stories behind the movement, this episode is a must listen.

In this episode we discuss:

• How Afro dance and Afrobeats music are deeply connected

• Why documenting African dance culture is critical right now

• The power of cyphers and freestyle spaces for confidence and creativity

• Why dancers deserve consistent recognition and compensation

• Celebrating small wins and using dance as a tool for self growth