Dance & Art Alive Hosts 13th West Africa Afro-Latin Dance Festival in Lagos

The city of Lagos came alive once again as Dance & Art Alive, led by renowned dance director Buddy Doubara Agedah, hosted the 13th edition of the West Africa Afro-Latin Dance Festival Nigeria from October 16 to 19, 2025.

The four-day cultural spectacle drew dancers, enthusiasts, and creative professionals from across West Africa, offering an immersive experience through workshops, showcases, and networking sessions. The festival climaxed with the Buddy Dance Cup National Competition, where ten talented dance couples competed for the prestigious title of Salsa Champions of 2025.

Judged by an esteemed panel of I.D.O.-certified professionals — including Wale Sodade, Lilian Yeri, Ice Nweke, and Buddy Doubara Agedah as head judge — the competition produced thrilling performances and well-deserved winners.

Announcing the results, Agedah revealed that Williams Augustine Akpan and Chidinma Rejoice Jerry-Okoro emerged as first-place winners, while Bamidele Olonisola Johnson and Wisdom Edet Akpan claimed second place, and Elijah Julius Ojoh and Grace Bakare Rulayat took third place in the national competition.

The event was proudly sponsored by the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN). SPAN’s founder, Mrs. Sarah Boulos, applauded the festival’s growing impact, praising Agedah’s dedication to reviving Nigeria’s dance culture. She further pledged to double SPAN’s sponsorship for the 2026 edition, with increased prize money and expanded categories to include more dance genres.

Since its inception in 2012, the festival has become a symbol of cultural unity and creative empowerment, connecting dance communities across Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and other West African nations. Beyond entertainment, it contributes significantly to Lagos’s creative economy, creating employment opportunities for dancers, choreographers, technicians, and local vendors while boosting tourism and hospitality.

Health and wellness remain central to the festival’s mission. Past editions have featured free breast cancer screenings in partnership with the Green Field Cancer Care Foundation and the Sebeccly Cancer Care Foundation, promoting awareness and early detection among women.

Buddy Agedah, who has received several international recognitions — including the Ghana Dance Merit Award and the Benin International Dance Festival (BIDAF) Honorary Distinction Award in 2025 — reaffirmed his commitment to using dance as a force for social good.

“Dance is not just art, it’s employment, wellness, and diplomacy in motion,” said Buddy Agedah. “If given the right support, Nigeria can become a leading destination for dance tourism in Africa.”

As Dance & Art Alive continues to expand its reach, the festival stands as a beacon of cultural diplomacy, youth empowerment, and creative sustainability, proving that through rhythm and movement, Nigeria’s artistic heartbeat continues to inspire the world.