The Evolution of Afrodance in Philadelphia: From West Africa to the Diaspora

Over the years, the Philadelphia metropolitan area has attracted many immigrants from West African countries such as Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria in addition to Caribbean countries like Jamaica and Haiti. Southwest Philadelphia is said to be home to the largest concentration of Liberians, other West Africans, and Caribbeans in any other city in this America earning its moniker as “Little Africa”. A huge part of African culture ties into the sounds and rhythms of our unique music and ethnic culture. Afrobeats has soared in popularity as there has been a rise of African beats in global music. Many of the hottest up and coming Afrobeats artists reside right here in Philadelphia and are becoming more popular with their globally palatable sound and aesthetic representative of Modern Africa. With the rise of Afrobeat artists in Philadelphia, we have also observed an increased interest in the Afrodance scene which has been vital to the creative arts scene.

The world is now coming to Africa and our dance camp based here in Philadelphia and surrounding cities, DWP Academy USA is one of the few dance companies at the forefront of the movement in Afrodance and promoting Afrobeats to the world. DWP Academy USA is raising skilled dance gurus and entrepreneurs to convey meaningful impact and versatility through Afrodance. In this project, DWP Academy USA will delve into the evolution and growth of the Afrobeats dance culture in Philadelphia and surrounding cities through a visual representation and story-telling concept incorporating the new and old generations of Afrodance including but not limited to Afrobeats, Azonto, Ndombolo, Afrohouse, and Amapiano. Two dance visuals will be produced showcasing the rise of Afrodance and its relation to the rich Philadelphia Music History of the African immigrant population here in Philadelphia. In addition to showcasing Afrodance through a dance visual, the final project will culminate in an Afrodance workshop with renown Philadelphia-native Afrodancers from DWP Academy USA open to all levels to share our rich and authentic African culture through our love for dance and community.