David Snipes: Afro Urban Dance Exporter
“I like to bring people together”
Another journeyer along the BdA 2020 BdA Artist Fellowship cohort exploring the theme “Mi Soon Come” is Nigerian dancer and choreographer David Snipes. Snipes aims to promote and educate the world about Afro urban dance especially the Nigerian urban street style. Part of Snipes’ purpose as an artist is to export the African culture outside the shores of Africa through dance. We asked Snipes to tell us more about himself. Here is what he shared.
My people are the Igbos, one of the major tribes in Nigeria. We are from the eastern part of Nigeria. My state of origin is Anambra State. I like to have fun. I like to make people laugh and be happy. I like to bring people together. I realized this after a series of successful events and social gatherings I have single-handedly organized. Although I still like to say I am in the process of knowing who I truly am. The only thing keeping me now [from moving around the way I would like] is money. Where I would like to go, how I would like to go, what I would like to do are being restricted by lack of funds. I remember in my early days in the university, I used to look up to a senior dance student. He was at that time the best at his craft and I wanted to be like him, even better. Since then I took up dance as my major and that decision has shaped who I am today.
Who or what inspires your art/creativity?
I draw inspiration from my fellow dance colleagues and friends, from my environment, how I feel at the moment. I basically feed off of energy around me.
How does your work speak to social issues in your local community?
I use my videos to highlight issues and situations in my country. I like to tell stories with my videos and address certain things.
What local issue, national issue, or global issue has been occupying space in your heart, body, and/or head space?
The current economic and political state of my country has been in my head. Also how the police force treats youths is a major issue in my head.
If you weren’t a creative/artist, what would you be doing?
I would definitely be an athlete
Thank you Snipes! In the meantime, follow more of Snipes here (you might be able to guess the kind of athlete he would be from his moves), here, here, here, and here.
David Snipes is one of the core artists of Bakanal de Afrique, the premier global festival of Pan-African Urban culture, community and creatives; see their new work premiering Nov 6- Nov 30, 2020, exclusively on www.BakanalDeAfrique.com.