In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh chats with dancer and performer Yvonna Hoba for an inspiring conversation on passion, perseverance, and purpose. From her beginnings in a Maryland church dance ministry to training in ballet, jazz, modern, and West African dance, Yvonna shares how her journey led her to Atlanta’s creative scene and onto stages with Tyler Perry’s A Jazzman’s Blues, The Color Purple, and performances at The Headies alongside Afrobeats stars like D’banj, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal.

Yvonna opens up about balancing her Ivorian and American roots, the sacrifices of freelance life, and why moments like meeting Oprah remind her to trust the path. She also breaks down the importance of collaboration within the Afro Dance community, her inspirations in Coupé-Décalé, and the role of dancers in bringing music to life.

Most importantly, Yvonna speaks directly to those who doubt dance as a “serious career,” challenging them to open their minds: dance shapes culture, drives music discovery, and builds movements. Her advice to dancers? Be yourself, train intentionally, and protect your body for the long run.

In this special bonus episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh sits down with international DJ, event producer, and United Tribes of Africa founder Flygerian Jeff. Born in Oakland to Nigerian parents, Jeff shares his unexpected journey from pre-med student and bartender to one of the Bay Area’s trailblazing Afrobeats DJs.

He opens up about how a spontaneous nickname, a chance to host parties on slow Wednesday nights, and a powerful encounter with Afrobeats music led to a life-changing mission: to create spaces that celebrate African culture through music and dance.

Jeff takes us behind the scenes of No Wahala Wednesdays—a legendary Afrobeats party that energized the Bay’s Afro dance scene—and reflects on how dance became a tool for healing, connection, and cultural expression.

He also speaks on the critical role YouTube played in taking Afrobeats global, the generational shifts in how the genre is experienced, and the ongoing challenge of honoring African roots while navigating Western music industry structures. Throughout, he reminds us that dancers have always been—and continue to be—the heartbeat of the movement.

This is an inspiring conversation rich with music, culture, history, and purpose.

In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, Haitian-born dancer and choreographer Tany Ora shares her rich, cross-continental journey from traditional Haitian folkloric dance to Dancehall—and eventually, how Afro House “robbed her” and completely transformed her artistic path. A trained architect, Tany dives deep into how dance became her outlet and why community building is central to her work. She breaks down her unique teaching philosophy—like why she teaches without mirrors—and unpacks the realities of growth, consistency, and healing as a creative.

We also discuss how social media has shaped Afro dance culture, the realities of being a dancer in a digital world, and how her health journey challenged her to reconnect with her body in new ways. From starting AfroHouse USA (@afrohouse_usa) and leading A Tropa Que Dança Bwe - NYC (@atropadobwe), to dreaming of a major Kuduro and Afro House event in NYC, Tany’s story is a powerful reminder that dance is more than movement—it’s purpose, connection, and resistance.

In this special bonus episode, host Gladys Edeh chats with cinematographer and editor Lade, a visionary behind some of Afro Dance’s most viral visuals online. With 13 years in digital media and as the founder of Wonderland LLC, Lade's work has helped shape the visual storytelling of Afro Dance online.

This raw and eye-opening conversation dives deep into the demanding behind-the-scenes work of dance videography, the struggles for fair pay and the sacrifices that come with the craft. Lade shares his journey, the sacrifices, and the joys of creating viral dance visuals, and why he ultimately stepped away from the world of dance videography.

If you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes to bring Afro Dance to life on screen, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! 

In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh interviews Nigerian-born dancer, choreographer, and entrepreneur Ogo Chimere Ezendokwere. Based in Portland, Oregon, Ogo shares her inspiring journey from being a self-taught dancer in Nigeria to founding Afro Dance Connect, a platform bringing Afro Dance culture to the Pacific Northwest.

Discover how Ogo transitioned from a corporate career at Intel to becoming a leader in the Afro Dance community, hosting events like the acclaimed Afro Dance Experience. She reflects on her passion for building inclusive spaces, the challenges of staying true to cultural roots, and her advice for aspiring dancers.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about dance, community, and cultural empowerment.

Follow Ogo:
Instagram: @yellow.paw.paw
Website: www.afrodanceconnect.com

In this episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh sits down with Olivia Danso, a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and mentor, to discuss her inspiring journey in the world of Afro dance. Olivia shares how her passion for dance began in middle school and flourished through high school and college, where she won awards for her choreography and trained in various styles such as modern, jazz, and Afrobeats.

She recounts pivotal moments in her career, including performing with artists like Teyana Taylor, Fireboy DML, and Asake, as well as working on projects with major brands and participating in competitive events like Red Bull Dance Your Style. Olivia also highlights the importance of collaboration in the dance community and how mentorship has become a key focus in her work, including starting a dance program to inspire young dancers.

The conversation touches on challenges in the industry, from lack of respect and compensation for dancers to the need for proper representation. Olivia emphasizes the importance of perseverance, training, and self-love, encouraging dancers to stand firm on their value and create their own opportunities.

This heartfelt discussion celebrates Olivia’s dedication to her craft and her impact on the Afro dance community.

In this lively episode, host Gladys Edeh chats with Cece Herbert, a trailblazing Liberian-American dancer and choreographer. Cece shares her inspiring journey from her early years performing in church to making it big on international stages like *Black Panther 2* and Red Bull’s Dance Your Style. We dive into her experiences training in Africa, the challenges of getting recognition in the dance industry, and her efforts to build stronger communities through platforms like Afro Dance USA.

With warmth and wisdom, Cece talks about finding joy in creativity, the importance of representation, and the beauty of collaboration with dance friends. From mentoring young dancers to dishing on her love for African cuisine, Cece offers a peek into the life of a dance powerhouse who’s truly “a whole vibe.”

Topics Covered:

- Cece's first dance inspirations

- Behind-the-scenes stories from major productions

- Red Bull’s first-ever Team Africa victory

- The evolution of Afro dance in the U.S.

- Tips for aspiring dancers

Tune in now for this vibrant conversation and explore what it means to express yourself authentically through dance and creativity.

In this episode of AfroDance Life, we chat with dance instructor and fitness queen, Yaya of Yaya Fitness. Yaya shares her incredible journey, from growing up in Nigeria to becoming a renowned Afro dance instructor in the U.S. She opens up about her life-changing encounter with Sheri Silver during "Detty December" in Nigeria, which led to working as an assistant choreographer for Childish Gambino. Yaya also discusses her after-pregnancy fitness transformation, balancing motherhood, a 9-5 job, and teaching dance. Plus, she dives into the importance of giving dancers the credit they deserve for their hard work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about fitness, dance, and perseverance!

In this debut episode, I'm excited to chat with my longtime friend Guinevere Aoaeh, who was a key member of my high school dance crew. We’ll reminisce about the unforgettable performances we put on—choreographed by yours truly—and the wild adventures and mischief that came with them. Join us as we dive into how those formative years of dancing and creativity shaped our passions and paths in life.

Welcome to the Afro Dance Life podcast, your front-row seat to the electrifying world of Afro Dance! Get ready to dive into thrilling conversations with the artists who are revolutionizing the Afrobeats scene and acting as cultural ambassadors on a global stage. We’ll explore the artistry behind their mesmerizing performances and viral dance videos that spread the infectious joy of Afrobeats worldwide. While their hard work often flies under the radar, we're here to celebrate their passion, creativity, and the incredible behind-the-scenes stories that make this art form truly extraordinary. Tune in and get inspired by the vibrant heartbeat of Afro Dance!