It requires great level of creativity and everyday learning to be part of the Kuti’s family – Bendancer


It requires great level of creativity and everyday learning to be part of the Kuti’s family – Bendancer  

 

One might be wondering what it takes to be part of the Shrine family? Well, the answers are not far from anyone’s disposals at the moment.  The Interview featured Contemporary dance artist, Bendancer who has risen to be the first “Male dancer” at the Kutis shrine, we were able to find out more about his experience with the Kuti’s. Grab your pop corn and enjoy the short interview.

BENJAMIN DANIEL GABRIEL. He Is One Of The Fast Rising Star, Who Is The First Born Into The Family Of Four, A Professional Choreographer Who Has Shared Stage With the likes of M.I Abaga, Ycee, Ice Prince, Classiq, B.O.C Madaki, And Has Also Worked With Some Dance Company In Nigeria, Jive Angels Based At Abraka Delta State, Oxygen Academy, Yola, D Angels Dance Ministry Jos, C.E.O Masterpiece Lagos.

He Is Now The Chief Executive Officer Of Ben-Dancer Academy International, Which Is Also The First Of Its Kind In The Northeast, Created To Promote And Coach Young People In Different Genres Of Dance And Create Platforms For Them To Exhibit Their God-Given Talents. The Company Is Fully Registered With The Corporate Affairs Commission Pursuant Section 659 Of The 1999 Constitution On The 7th Jan 2020 And Was Launched On 8th March 2020.
 
 
 
Benjamin Daniel Gabriel Has Two Certificates In Contemporary And Cultural Dance. He Is Also A Fitness Instructor, Model, And The Northeast Zonal Dance Coordinator Of the Dance Guild Of Nigeria.
 
 
 
He Hails From Bauchi State, Bogoro Local Government Of Bauchi State Nigeria. His Training Background In Dance Is Contemporary, Hip Hop, Urban Afro-Pop And Culture, Bendancer has  Won Awards In The Curse Of His Journeys such as the prestigious Christ Embassy Award Best Dancer Of The Year,2016, Best Choreographer By National Council Of Art And Culture 2018 And Many More.
 

 

THE INTERVIEW


Tell us about your experience so far with the Kuti’s family



Ans:My experience with the Kuti’s has been inspiring and has exposed me to another level of understanding, stage performance, music structure and exposure to bigger platforms, which I don’t take for granted.



What does it feel like to be the first male dancer in the Kuti’s band??



Ans:Being the first male Afro dance artist in the Kuti’s requires a great level of creativity and learning everyday cos is like doing something that has never been done, music is spiritual. 
So also for me, dance is beyond entertainment, is a spiritual practice that connects you to your spirit and soul, so am privileged to be the first I believe it will be a great inspiration to a lot of people out there, to believe and change their world positively.

Bendancer is keeping the dance culture alive as he receives national recognition!


What will u say is affecting the Dance industry in Nigeria?


Ans:I am not in a better position to advise at the moment, cos I am still growing to understand more about the dance industry and myself as a person, but I would say, as creatives , let’s invest our time, in getting more knowledge about our talent or skills, through seminars, workshops, networking, and reading relevant articles and books builds our creative flow.
And also understand the purpose of our gift and the audience that connects with our ideas, (The right set of people to help you grow).

What has been your biggest challenge in the transition from Bauchi to being part of the shrine!

 

My biggest challenge of my transition from Northern Nigeria (Bauchi state) to lagos, is having to learn the diver’s cultural traditions and languages, adapting to the new environment and great people, they are loving and accommodating, and unique in their way, I love it here, and I believe if we can as Nigeria come together as one, we will achieve a lot together

Will you say that Dance is mainstream or still underground in Nigeria?


Compared to when I started dancing, that’s like 2003, I will say dance has really evolved, and improved especially in Nigeria, looking at the introduction of technology and the internet , to which most dancers can now have access to more knowledge, other genres of dance and networking too, so dance is a become mainstream now not just in Nigeria but the world at large.

 

Learning to be part of the Kuti’s family – Bendancer


 

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