Who Is the Best Dancer in Nigeria? Top 10 Ranked

Poco Lee, born Iweh Pascal Odinaka, has earned the spotlight as Nigeria’s top dancer. His journey began when a legwork video from an event went viral in 2018, catapulting him into fame.

Originally from Imo State but raised in Lagos, he became a household name after Tunde Ednut reposted his dance clip. That exposure led to connections with big names like Zlatan Ibile, who took interest in his style.

Poco Lee quickly built his brand and started appearing in music videos with artists like Burna Boy, 2Baba, and Naira Marley. He now runs a YouTube channel with thousands of subscribers and regularly posts viral content.

More than just a dancer, he helps shine the spotlight on upcoming talent through collaborations and mentorship. His performances at international events, including Dubai’s One Africa Music Fest, underline his global appeal.

Poco Lee also hosted Naira Marley’s concert at the O2 Arena and landed an endorsement with Infinix alongside stars like Nancy Isime and Osas Ighodaro. He’s currently working on creating a unified platform for Nigerian dancers.

Kafayat Shafau-Ameh, popularly known as Kaffy, broke onto the scene in the early 2000s and never looked back. She made history by leading her team to set the Guinness World Record for the longest dance party in 2006.

Kaffy’s work spans choreography, fitness coaching, and live stage performance. She has trained many performers through her platform, The Dance Workshop.

In 2018, Kaffy earned a special award at The Headies for her industry impact. Her blend of traditional and contemporary moves keeps her relevant in an ever-changing scene.

Odumewu Deborah Sunmisola, aka Pinki Debbie, became a Guinness World Record holder for dancing non-stop for 137 hours. Her journey into professional dance started in 2011 during her time at Covenant University.

Debbie began dancing as a child, with her mother playing a big role in encouraging her passion. Her fan base continues to grow on Instagram, where she shares clips from performances and collaborations.

She has worked with major brands like Pepsi and Tecno and performed alongside Zlatan, Mayorkun, and Naira Marley. Pinki’s endurance and creativity make her one of the most impressive dancers in Nigeria today.

Idowu Smart Emmanuel, known as Lil Smart, built his name through reversed dance steps. Often called the “Reverse King,” he added a new twist to popular Afrobeats routines.

He first gained attention in 2019 with a dance video that caught the eye of Naira Marley. Since then, he’s worked with artists like Tiwa Savage and Davido.

His skill in flipping moves like Shaku Shaku and Zanku made him a standout act. Lil Smart is also known for his resemblance to Naira Marley, which adds to his popularity.

Tiamiu Abdulrahman Kayode, better known as Rahman Jago, isn’t a professional dancer by training but still turns heads with his remarkable legwork. He was among the original minds behind the legwork dance craze.

He blew up on Instagram with his high-energy moves and playful attitude. Rahman has released music as well, including collaborations with Zlatan and Barry Jhay.

Zlatan Ibile is already well-known for his music, but his dance contributions can’t be ignored. His 2018 single “Zanku” introduced a whole new style that spread like wildfire across West Africa.

His Instagram videos often feature new dance moves that quickly go viral. While music remains his main gig, he actively boosts dancers’ careers by putting them in his videos.

Adedayo Liadi gained recognition after choreographing the dance for the song “Olori-Oko.” He founded Ijodee Dance Company, which holds seminars and workshops to support up-and-coming dancers.

His formal dance journey began in 1992 when he was selected by French instructors to train in Europe. That experience laid the foundation for a professional career both in Nigeria and abroad.

Liadi has performed at major events and served as a judge on reality dance shows. His work continues to influence the Nigerian dance industry.

Lartyf is one of the newest faces in Nigerian dance, quickly gaining traction on Instagram. He has been spotted performing alongside stars like Wizkid and Olamide.

Though still early in his career, his control and creativity are earning him attention. He stands out for his sharp leg movements and ability to adapt to different dance styles.

Stephen Ojo, aka Papi Ojo, stepped into the global spotlight as the “Blue Man” in Beyoncé’s “Already” music video. His style is heavily Afrocentric, aimed at pushing African dance onto global stages.

He has since worked with major brands including Adidas and The North Face. He’s also been hired to train artists like Rihanna and continues to travel between the US and Nigeria.

Papi Ojo taught himself to dance and grew up inspired by African movement. His success story is one of passion and perseverance.

Blessedson Tunmise burst onto the scene in 2021 when his dance caught the attention of Poco Lee and other celebrities. He stands out for his advanced legwork and quick foot transitions.

Though young, he’s already featured in several music videos. His presence on Instagram keeps growing, and he’s seen as one of the most promising dancers in Nigeria.

More Nigerian Hottest Dancers Making Waves

Other dancers worth mentioning include Cocainna, who starred in music videos for Rema, Tiwa Savage, and Wizkid. Just Nife and Regina Igbe are also strong forces on TikTok and Instagram.

Izzy Odigie and Korra Obidi have gained international recognition through choreography and touring. Many of these dancers are children of Nollywood actors, a trend explored in this list of Nollywood actors with children in the industry.

Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.