Features

If you listen to Afrobeats and watch Nigerian music videos, you may find yourself gravitating towards the dance steps that typically end up going viral on social media.

Behind the Afrobeats choreography for songs such as Alingo and Roll It, is a man who comes from humble beginnings. We sat down with the Imo-state born choreographer, Nonso Asobe, as he shared advice to those wanting to follow their dreams.

I was driving back home after my dentist appointment today when I came to a stop sign. As I prepared to press on the pedal to continue my journey, I saw a man to my left marching in the middle of the road. My immediate thought was, “this man must be crazy.”

I lost my mum in 2003 due to complications of peripheral arterial disease. I was young then - about 19 years old. I remember being in the car with my mum when she complained about having shortness of breath. I followed her to a hospital in Lagos but at the time, I knew nothing about medicine.

This year, I celebrated Africa Day by sending WhatsApp messages to my friends in Senegal and in South Africa - I felt lonely being so far away. As I prepared for bed, I noticed a photo of myself. In the photo, I’m wearing a black and goal outfit that my friend, Ibou, made for me while I was in Senegal. The picture made me think about what it meant to be a White man born and raised in Africa - about where I actually belonged and didn't belong.

It's the year 2020, but many are still unaware of how much Africa has developed. Most Africans aren’t living in huts — don’t let the movies fool you. In Africa, you can find nice cars, multiple-story homes, and unparalleled skyscrapers. No one is walking around with bow and arrows these days.