Tarryn Alberts has performed with Die Antwoord and choreographed for some of South Africa’s sharpest musical acts
You don’t need to scroll too far on Instagram before landing on an African dancer who makes you stop, double-tap, and maybe even try the move yourself, with varying success. From street corners in Soweto and Lagos to studios in Nairobi and Accra, the continent’s dancers are shaping global trends — one reel at a time. They’re not just keeping up with the beat; they are the beat.
These dancers are pushing boundaries and building massive followings while they do it. Their choreography is fresh, their presence magnetic, and their influence undeniable. Whether they're spinning on their heads, poppin’ and lockin’, or pushing for further representation through choreography, each of these dancers brings a distinct voice to Africa's ever-evolving rhythm.
OkayAfrica has put together a list of 15 African dancers you need to follow right now.
Litchi Hov
Litchi Hov choreographs for Tyla, among many other artists
Photo by Skyjuice Photography
Litchi Hov began his journey as a member of the electrifying V.I.N.T.A.G.E Crew, a dance collective known for its bold style and theatrical flair. He rose through the ranks of South Africa's dance scene by participating in major television productions, such as Pop Idols, and quickly built a reputation for his sharp choreography and stage direction. Over the years, he's crafted standout routines for artists such as Sho Madjozi and Uncle Waffles, and now stands at the forefront of global pop choreography as the creative force behind Tyla's viral visuals and performances.
Location: South Africa
Style: Waacking, VoguingTarryn Alberts
Tarryn Alberts is known for fusing different dance styles in her choreography
Photo by Tšeliso Monaheng
Another V.I.N.T.A.G.E Crew alumna, Tarryn Alberts, has established herself as a dancer extraordinaire, fusing styles ranging from krumping to voguing to pantsula with undeniable physique, fearless energy, and streetwise elegance. Whether performing on global stages with Die Antwoord or choreographing boundary-pushing work rooted in South African street culture, Alberts has become a force in both underground and mainstream dance circuits.
Location: South Africa
Style: Krumping, Waacking, VoguingEddie Love
Eddie Love’s dance style is called Steeze Style
Photo by Michael Aboya
A vibrant figure in Ghana's dance movement, Eddie Love is all about pushing the boundaries of urban Afrodance. He achieves this through his bold fusion style, impactful community workshops, and a knack for creative collaboration. Whether it's for social media, a live jam session, or a polished, choreographed performance, his soulful approach always delivers high impact and high energy.
Location: Ghana
Style: Steeze StyleLee-Shane Booysen
Lee-Shane Booysen is a South African b-boy worth his weight
Photo by Tšeliso Monaheng
During a dance competition a few years ago, Lee-Shane Booysen did the unthinkable. In a moment that's now legend, he scaled the scaffolding at the now-defunct Bassline in Newtown, Johannesburg, to the roaring delight of the crowd. Known for his gravity-defying Spiderman techniques, Petersen has earned a reputation as one of the most lethal b-boys in the game, with a long list of accolades to back it up.
Location: South Africa
Style: BreakdancingCourtnaé Paul
Courtnaé Paul is also known for her music
Photo by AFP
Don't be fooled by the deejaying and the music-making, Courtnaé Paul is a serious dancer. Specializing mainly in breakdancing, which she then folds, twists, and turns to create something entirely her own, she also incorporates influences from other styles, such as Afro and Kizomba. Her background in gymnastics has also contributed to her unique approach to breakdancing, enabling her to integrate flips and dynamic movements seamlessly.
Location: South Africa
Style: BreakdancingPoco Lee
Poco Lee is a Nigerian dancer and singer
Photo by Dave Pedley/Getty Images
Poco Lee, whose real name is Iweh Pascal Odinaka, is a prominent Nigerian professional dancer, choreographer, and social media personality who gained significant recognition for his energetic dance moves, particularly his Legwork and Zanku styles. He has collaborated with numerous A-list artists in the Nigerian music industry, including Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Zlatan Ibile, Naira Marley, and Tiwa Savage, appearing in their music videos and performing on stage at international events such as the One Africa Music Festival in Dubai and the O2 Arena in London.
Location: Nigeria
Style: AfrodanceAjib Gathoni
Ajib Gathoni is a dancer and TikTok sensation
Photo by Ajib Gathoni/Instagram
Ajib Gathoni is a Kenyan dancer, TikTok sensation, and entrepreneur known for her captivating Afrobeats choreography and vibrant online presence. Rising to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic, she quickly amassed millions of followers and earned accolades like the Pulse Influencer Award for Best Dancer. Beyond dance, Gathoni is a vocal health advocate and co-founded the youth fashion brand Random Wear.
Location: Kenya
Style: Afrofusion street danceDancegod Lloyd
Dancegod Lloyd is the co-founder of the Dance With Purpose academy
Photo by Dancegod Lloyd
Dancegod Lloyd is a co-founder of the Dance With Purpose academy, a dance school aimed at nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for aspiring dancers. This initiative also had a charitable aspect, assisting disadvantaged young dancers on the street. He gained significant international attention for his performance in Beyoncé's "Already" music video, which also featured Shatta Wale, in 2020. He has also appeared in other music videos, including "See Brother" by Patoranking and "Shoo" by Kwamz and Flava.
Location: Ghana
Style: Afrobeats, Hip-HopInnos’B
Innos’B dances rumba, Ndombolo, Afrobeats, and hip‑hop
Photo by officialinnossb/ Instagram
Innoss'B is a Congolese musician, dancer, songwriter, and cultural ambassador widely hailed as the pioneer of AfroCongo, a vibrant dance style that fuses Congolese rumba, Ndombolo, Afrobeats, and hip‑hop. Whether through his genre-defining beats, his captivating dance moves, or his impactful humanitarian work, he's a true leader making waves on and off the stage.
Location: DRC
Style: AfroCongo (a mix of Ndombolo rumba, hip-hop, and Afrobeats)Tebza
Tebza is a pantsula dancer who started out with the legendary Shakers and Movers crew
Photo by Tšeliso Monaheng
Teboho Diphehlo is a powerhouse in South Africa's street dance scene. He is an ambassador of jiving pantsula, skillfully fused with the b-boy flair. Born and raised in Soweto, he began his journey dancing in community gatherings and school battles, later joining the legendary Shakers and Movers crew in high school. Beyond performance, Tebza is committed to community upliftment. He founded Intellectual Pantsula in 2012 and hosts free workshops in Soweto that help instill confidence.
Location: South Africa
Style: Amapiano, PantsulaGGB Dance Crew
GGB Dance crew is a trailblazing Nigerian dance group
Photo by GGB Dance/Instagram
GGB Dance Crew is a trailblazing Nigerian group making bold moves in the Afro-pop performance scene. Since 2014, they've built a vibrant legacy through music video choreography, brand collaborations, viral social content, and award-winning recognition – all while staying true to their Lagos roots. They specialize in energetic choreography that blends magnificent street moves with bold stage presence.
Location: Nigeria
Style: AfrobeatsSeyi Oluyole
Seyi Oluyole’s work has transformed the lives of street children since 2014.
Photo by Seyi Oluyole/Instagram
Seyi Oluyole is a Nigerian choreographer, filmmaker, and social entrepreneur whose work has transformed the lives of street children through the power of dance. In 2014, she founded Dream Catchers Academy, providing free dance, drama, and music education to underprivileged girls in Lagos.
Location: Nigeria
Style: AfrobeatsBjmiah
Bmjiah is a Lagos-based choreographer.
Photo by Bjmiah/Instagram
BJMIAH is a Nigerian dancer and choreographer from Lagos, celebrated for his innovative fusion of Afro-popping, a style that blends traditional African dance, popping, locking, and funk.
Location: Nigeria
Style: Poppin’ and Lockin’Deboh
Deboh blends artistry with wellness and community impact.
Photo by Deborah Nyasha Kabongo
Deborah Nyasha Kabongo, widely known as Deboh, is a celebrated Zimbabwean dancer, choreographer, and multi-disciplinary artist. A creative and academic, she blends artistry with wellness and community impact.
Location: Zimbabwe
Style: ContemporaryMan Like B
Man Like B’s got numerous breakdancing styles that he crushes competition with.
Photo by Jordan Irks/Instagram
Man Like B is somewhat of an urban legend. He stands his ground firmly against opponents and fires back with sure-footed moves that make it obvious that he’s been at it for a while. A member of incendiary Cape Town crews such as Concrete Apostles, Brasse Vannie Kaap, and HandBreakTurn, he carries the kind of battle-hardened energy you only get from surviving – and thriving in – the pit. Whether on linoleum floors at high-end international dance competitions or in dusty lots on the Cape Flats, his style blends raw attitude with Cape Town’s layered hip-hop heritage.
Style: Breakdancing
- Watch Red Bull's 'Uncredited: The Story of Afro Dance' Documentary ›
- This Kenyan Artist Creates Stirring "Cosmic Pop Art" Inspired By Contemporary Dance ›
- The Top 25 African Dancers To Follow on Instagram ›
- 12 DanceToks From This Year That Prove AfroDance Could Bring World Peace ›
- 7 Crossover Moments That Highlight Africa's Influence on Pop Culture In 2018 ›
- Watch Ciara Dance To Her Latest Single With South African Dancers In Soweto ›