The grand awards Abuja

by Abubakar Yunusa

The Nigerian dance industry witnessed a defining moment on Saturday, September 27, 2025, as practitioners and enthusiasts gathered at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, for The Grand Award for Dancers and Performing Arts.

The ceremony, themed “Legacy in Motion,” was a vibrant celebration of rhythm, dedication, and cultural expression. It marked a significant leap for the Nigerian dance community, which has long sought formal recognition and institutional support for its contribution to the creative economy.

From street performers to stage professionals, dancers were honoured across a wide range of categories, reflecting the rich diversity and complexity of Nigeria’s dance ecosystem. The awards went beyond popular performers to spotlight choreographers, dance educators, and community advocates whose efforts continue to shape the evolution of the art form in the country.

Speaking at the event, the founder of 360 Grand TV Mr Henshaw Victory said the award was conceived as more than an annual ceremony, describing it as a movement aimed at securing institutional backing for dancers and performers nationwide. He emphasized the need for government investment in funding, training workshops, and functional theatre spaces, stressing that such support was critical to advancing the creative industry and creating sustainable livelihoods for young Nigerians.

“Our goal is to transform dance from a passionate hobby into a viable and respected profession that contributes meaningfully to the nation’s cultural and economic wealth,” he said. “By building this platform, we hope to attract both public and private investment that will empower the next generation of Nigerian dancers to thrive locally and internationally.”

For many dancers, the event represented more than an award—it was an acknowledgment of years of dedication, resilience, and artistic pursuit. The recognition provided a much-needed platform for visibility, validation, and empowerment, helping to elevate dancers into mainstream conversations within the entertainment and creative sectors.

Organisers said the successful execution of the event signals a new dawn for the performing arts in Nigeria. With structured recognition now in place, the industry is expected to experience greater professionalism, enhanced cultural export, and increased participation from investors.

As the curtain closed on the 2025 edition, there was a shared sense of optimism among participants that the Grand Award would become a lasting institution—one capable of uniting Nigeria’s dance community, inspiring excellence, and positioning the nation as a leading hub for performing arts in Africa.