“My Dance is both Spiritual and Therapeutic” - Bendancer
Dance is a powerful reflection of perspective on identity, culture, and African society.
Benjamin Daniel, professionally known as Bendancer, was born in Gombe State, Nigeria where his dancing career began. He is the first in a family of four and holds the distinction of being the first male dance performer at the famous Fela Kuti’s African shrine in Lagos, Nigeria. As a seasoned choreographer, he has had the privilege of sharing the stage with prominent artists such as M.I Abaga, Ycee, Ice Prince, Classiq, Kaffy, B.O.C Madaki and Muhammad Ahmed who was the director of National Troupe, Nigeria. He presently works with the renowned 64th Grammy Award nominee, Made Kuti and The Movement.
Like many prodigies in his cadre, Bendancer started developing his talent at the very tender age of 10. His creative genes spawn from a different perspective of spirituality. He has grown large into finding his compass as his basis for purpose in Dance.
As the Chief Executive Officer of Ben-Dancer Academy International, Bendancer has pioneered a unique institution in the Northeast region of Nigeria. The academy’s mission is to promote and coach young individuals in various dance genres, providing a platform for them to showcase their talents. With over 16 years of experience in dance, Bendancer has consistently expressed his passion for the art form, citing it as an opportunity to positively impact lives. He finds solace and peace in dance, which fuels his dedication to his craft.
Bendancer has collaborated with the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners, NICO, British Council, Global Citizen and Felabration 2021, Trophy Shout International Festival 2021, Big Brother Naija Grand Finale 2021 and Sauti Za busara Zanzibar 2024. He also performed alongside Made Kuti and The Movement at Fela Exposition in Paris (Philamonie de Pari 2022)
He is a recipient of the African Elites Award 2024 for the creative art impact category and Best Dance Award by Luster Beam Entertainment 2021.
Step into Broots’ exclusive interview with Bendancer, where he shares his story, inspirations, and journey so far. Get an inside look at the life of this talented young dancer.
Wisdom Nwoga: What sparked your passion for dance at an early age?
BENDANCER: Dance is a gift for me and I am glad that I discovered it at the early age of my life. I discovered dance as a means to convey emotions, tell stories, or showcase individuality. For me dance is beyond entertainment; it is very spiritual and therapeutic.
Wisdom Nwoga: Can you walk us through your creative process when choreographing a new piece?
BENDANCER: Well, when choreographing a new piece, I start with inspiration - letting music, emotions, or stories spark my imagination. I then brainstorm and experiment. This allows my body to move freely and the concept to take shape. Selecting resonant music and structuring the piece comes next, followed by refinement and iteration. Through this process, I distill my vision into a cohesive work, always pushing to perfect the details. And finally, the moment of truth - the performance stage, where the dance art comes to life. It's here that all my creative energy, passion, and dedication culminate, and the piece takes on a life of its own, connecting with the audience and leaving a lasting impression.
Wisdom Nwoga: As a dancer, what themes or emotions do you aim to evoke through your performance?
BENDANCER: You know, in most of my performances, I do try to evoke emotions and themes that resonate with us all. I explore identity, culture, sorrow, anger, and hope, creating an emotional landscape that echoes our collective journey. I also delve into abstract concepts like freedom, time, and memories, weaving them into a narrative that transcends words. My goal is to spark connection and create a shared experience that lingers long after the performance…and of course, the themes of the music most times, is also a drive to what my dance represents.
Wisdom Nwoga: Talking about identity and culture, how does dance reflect your perspective on identity, culture and the African society?
BENDANCER: Dance is a powerful reflection of my perspective on identity, culture, and African society. It celebrates my cultural heritage and showcases traditional styles and techniques that connect me to my African roots even though we now have western dance infiltration. Through dance, I express my individual experiences and emotions. I share stories about my cultural history, social justice, and personal struggles. I blend different styles, creating a unique ‘language’ that reflects the diversity of African culture. Dance brings people together, celebrating shared values and cultural practices. It addresses social issues, challenging societal norms and values, and evokes emotions, creating empathy and understanding across cultural boundaries. Most importantly, dance lets me express genuine cultural experiences, countering stereotypes and misrepresentations. Through dance, I share my unique perspective, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. It's a universal language that connects us all, and I feel honored to be a part of it, sharing my passion and culture with the world.
Wisdom Nwoga: Great! Now, what is your take on embracing African renaissance, especially with the overwhelming European influence?
BENDANCER: Honestly, I think it’s an exciting time to be African. Embracing the African renaissance is about reconnecting with our roots, our heritage, and owning our narratives. It’s like rediscovering parts of ourselves that were always there but maybe got overshadowed by centuries of external influence. Europe’s influence is undeniable, but it doesn't mean we lose who we are. In fact, I believe we can blend the best of both worlds without compromising our authenticity. African culture, dance, music—these are our stories, and now more than ever, we’re reclaiming them. As a dancer, I feel like every move I make connects me to generations before me. The rhythms, the expressions—they carry the soul of Africa, and the beauty is that they still speak to people, no matter where they’re from. European influence has shaped parts of our world, no doubt, but that doesn’t make it the only lens through which we view ourselves. We’re reimagining what it means to be African in a global context, and in my opinion, that’s the essence of the renaissance. It’s not about rejecting the external, but centering the internal—our stories, our creativity, our power.
Wisdom Nwoga: Tell us about Fela Kuti's African Shrine? And how has the experience been for you dancing for the Kutis?
BENDANCER: Fela Kuti’s African Shrine as you may have known is a legendary music venue in Lagos, Nigeria, steeped in history and culture. As a dancer, performing with the Kuti family has been a dream come true. The energy is electric, and the music is infectious. Dancing to the rhythms of Afrobeat, I feel a deep connection to the continent and its people.
The Kutis’ passion and dedication to their craft are inspiring, and I've learned so much from them. It's an honor to be part of this legacy, celebrating Fela's life and music. The experience has been truly transformative, and I feel blessed to have shared the stage with such incredible legends of African Music: Femi Kuti, Made Kuti, Seun Kuti and other talents. Of course, with our performance at Fela Exposition in Paris and other international performances, I can tell you for free that it is an Africa-to-the-world thing.
Wisdom Nwoga: Are there any future collaborations or performances you’re looking forward to?
BENDANCER: Of course yes! I'm excited about upcoming collaborations and performances! I am looking forward to explore cultural fusions, blending traditional and contemporary styles from diverse cultures. I'm also passionate about using dance for social impact, addressing issues like social justice and mental health. Additionally, I'm looking forward to International Dance Day celebrations and dance education initiatives. These projects will make dance more inclusive, innovative, and impactful. I'm grateful to be part of this vibrant community and can't wait to see what's next!
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©2024 Broots Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 1, 2024
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