THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Dancers from Europe and Africa will converge on the German capital city of Berlin from 11 to 14 May to participate at the first World Best Afro Dance Championship. The new contest, the brainchild of Cynthia Zombou, offers a platform for Afro dancers to showcase their talent, creativity and passion to an international audience. According to Zombou, the contest should pave the way for young dancers to make a career out of their hobby.
Zombou was motivated to organise the event by the lack of any competition for African dance. “My observation of the active scene of the African dance genres of dancehall, afro-dancehall and hip-hop battles convinced me that there was a need for a championship as a platform whereby dancers could display their talents and develop the sport.” Zombou believes that a competition would promote African dance and win new fans for it. “The potential of African dance is enormous.”
At the championship, whose motto is It’s time for African dance, contestants will vie for titles under categories such as Afro House, Coupé-Décalé, 2vs2, AfroFusion and Crews with three to eight dancers. The event, which will take place annually in Berlin, will also feature dance workshops at which members of the public can take part.
At the time of going to press, about 50 dancers had registered for the championship at which more than 500 fans are expected. The four-day event will not only produce the World Best Afro Dancers but also showcase African cuisines, beauty and fashion.
Vivian Asamoah
More information at: www.worldafrodance.com
Photo: Coupé-Décalé, a type of popular dance music originating from Côte d’Ivoire and the Ivorian diaspora in Paris. Much of its lyrics refer to specific dance moves, often referencing current events (© IFII)
