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May 24, 2024
Breakdancing (breaking), which first featured at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Argentina, is set to debut at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games as a new Olympic sport. In honor of this recognition, the FAME Foundation, an NGO based in Abuja, Nigeria, and the United States Mission in Nigeria – the US delegation to the United Nations – have teamed up to promote breaking among Nigerian youth.
FAME Foundation supports the social, emotional and economic wellbeing of women and girls, while also advocating for gender parity in society. The breaking project is part of its “PLAYit DREAMit” initiative, which uses sport to advance SDGs on good health and wellbeing, quality education, gender equality and reducing inequality. Equally, the project is part of the US Department of State’s Sports Envoy Program that comprises of American athletes and coaches traveling overseas to engage youth, lead programs and hold sports clinics.
Originating in the United States in the 1970s, breaking is an urban dance style with roots in hip-hop culture. It often featured at the energetic block parties in the Bronx, New York, and is characterised by acrobatic movements, stylized footwork and a key role played by the DJ and the MC (master of ceremonies) during battles, explains the Olypmic website. Two renowned American breakdance experts, Macca Malik and Jacob “Kujo” Lyons, visited Abuja and Lagos in Nigeria from May 11 to 18 as part of the program. Malik, also known as B-Girl is a top female competitor in breakdance and Lyons represents people with hearing impairments in the sport.
“We’re happy to collaborate with the US Mission in Nigeria to use breakdancing as a tool for positive change in Nigerian communities. This partnership isn’t just about dance; it’s about creating opportunities for young people to shine, discover their talents and show the world what they’re made of,” said Arabinrin Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, Executive Director of FAME Foundation.
In Abuja, the US Sports Envoy engaged with the Nigerian Olympic Committee, highlighting breakdancing’s new global status as an Olympic sport. Malik and Lyons visited the School for the Deaf in Kuje, where they shared personal stories of dedication, leadership and teamwork. They also provided best practice on managing sports for people with disabilities and supported students to form a breakdancing club. Additionally, the Envoys led workshops and masterclasses at Krump Dance Studio, where breakdancers from Northern Nigeria gained valuable insights on preparing for Olympic competitions and mastering techniques. The breakdancers were taught basic power movements, how to coordinate with music, pace their routine for energy and impact and how to engage the audience during competition.
“We urge the federal government of Nigeria to consider investing in breakdancing infrastructure and training programs. The substantial positive impacts of such endeavors will be felt in youth empowerment, skill enhancement, and international representation are undeniable,” Lyons said during an event hosted by the Public Diplomacy Section of the US Embassy in collaboration with FAME Foundation. Malik added that breakdancing gives young Nigerians a platform to showcase their skills and creativity. She also highlighted that breakdancing could be another platform to showcase their nation at global sporting events and encouraged young women to get involved.
In Lagos, the Enoys conducted masterclasses at the Nation Dance Studio for emerging and established breakdancers. They also participated in an employability webinar where they explained how breakdancing and other artistic forms of expression could be transformed into fulfilling careers, as well as highlighting sports’ role in developing self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and communication skills.
Ogunleye-Bello shared that two champions from this project will be competing in Paris 2024 this summer. She believes that this training equips aspiring Nigerian breakdancers to compete effectively in all future sporting events.
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