Promoting Dance Tourism

12+ Years, 30,000+ Attendees

West African Afro-Latin Dance Festival—Nigeria [Where Rhythm Meets Culture].

Lagos | Abuja | Annual Celebration

The West African Afro-Latin Dance Festival is Nigeria’s premier cultural dance experience, fusing the pulsating energy of Afro-Latin music (salsa, bachata, kizomba, merengue, cha-cha, konpa, afro-dance, and group line dance) with the rich traditions of Nigerian and African dance. For three unforgettable days, dancers, travelers, corporate teams, and music lovers come together for performances, competitions, workshops, and electrifying social events—all set against the vibrant backdrops of Lagos and Abuja.

Why Attend?

✅ For Dance Enthusiasts & Professionals: Master new styles in high-energy workshops led by world-class instructors. Compete in battles, perform on stage, and connect with a global dance community.

✅ For Tourists & Culture Seekers: Immerse yourself in Africa’s largest Afro-Latin dance gathering—a fusion of Caribbean, Latin, and African rhythms. Explore Nigeria’s nightlife, cuisine, and arts while making unforgettable memories.

✅ For Corporate Teams & Brands: Strengthen teamwork through fun, interactive dance sessions. Sponsor or participate in Africa’s fastest-growing dance tourism event, gaining visibility among a dynamic, upscale audience.

✅ For Fitness & Wellness Lovers: Dance your way to health! Our events combine cardio, coordination, and joy—fitness has never been this fun.

Festival Highlights:

🎭 Opening Gala & Industry Nights – Glamorous networking with artists and influencers.

🏆 Dance Competitions & Prizes – Show off your skills and win big.

🌍 Pan-African Collaboration – Featuring performers and instructors from West Africa, East Africa, South Africa, Europe, and the UK.

💃 Grand Finale Showdown – A jaw-dropping display of Afro-Latin and traditional fusion.

📍 Host Cities: Lagos & Abuja, Nigeria

📅 Annual Event – Join the Movement!

Be Part of the Celebration—Where Africa Dances as One!

Breast Cancer Awareness

& Unity in Africa

Celebrating Afro-Latin dance while promoting breast cancer awareness.

Buddy Dance Cup

A nationwide dance competition promoting partner dancing skills.

Skill Development

Opening career paths for Nigerian dance enthusiasts and participants.

Team Bonding

Two weeks of engaging activities for participants and teams.

Cultural Exchange

Involving dancers from Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria.

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Dancing the Diaspora

The West African Afro-Latin Dance Festival (WAALD) Nigeria is a trailblazing annual cultural event founded in 2012 by Mr Buddy Agedah and led by Dance & Art Alive, Nigeria’s foremost dance organisation. Held in both Lagos and Abuja, WAALD is a hub of Afro-Latin artistic exchange, empowering dancers and creators from across Africa, Latin America, and the diaspora.

Cross-Border Rhythms of Resilience

WAALD Nigeria is known not only for preserving cultural heritage but also for reimagining it in bold, contemporary forms. With over 12 editions delivered, the festival features live performances, intensive dance workshops, and the Buddy Dance Cup, Nigeria’s first national partner dance competition, designed to democratise dance participation and spotlight rising talent.

WAALD Nigeria is innovative in its use of hybrid programming and cross-border artistic collaboration. The festival now incorporates digital storytelling (mini-docs, virtual rehearsals, and livestreams), multilingual delivery (Yoruba, French, English, and Ewe), and community-created content, enabling deeper cultural connections. WAALD also pioneered themed social action campaigns (e.g., breast cancer awareness through dance) that engage non-traditional audiences in meaningful ways.

Through partnerships with regional festivals such as the Benin International Dance Festival (BIDAF) in Benin and the Ghana Dance Festival, and with a growing focus on UK collaborations, WAALD Nigeria connects artists and audiences in ways that blend traditional movement, modern tech, and social purpose. WAALD Nigeria represents a new generation of African cultural festivals: rooted, resonant, and responsive to the times.

2025 Festival information Click here now

Gallery

Celebrating dance, culture, and awareness through vibrant performances.

Dance Festival

Join us in Nigeria for an exciting Afro-Latin dance festival featuring competitions and activities promoting partner dancing and breast cancer awareness.