Choreographer Aggie The Dance Queen says a female dancer doesn’t need to be semi-naked or have a big bum, to make a career as a notable music video vixen.
Aggie who has appeared in almost every big music video in Kenya argues the idea of nudity and big behinds on videos is now ‘retired’ as the dance industry continues to transform.
“A female dancer doesn’t have to look a certain way to bag a gig as a music video vixen. It’s all about how you carry yourself. If you think being naked or having a big nyash (backside) will get you on music videos artiste will do that. But also if they know you are a professional and bring skill to their videos, then they will choose to carry you in that aspect. You don’t have to be half naked or have to have a big nyash to be on a music video. Your skill is enough, it’s selling to the clients and that’s all you need.”
Aggie goes on to say despite the growth witnessed in Kenyan dance, Kenyan musicians don’t support dancers unlike Tanzania,
The dancer says music and dance are symbiotic and as such they should always tag along as they blend.
However unlike neighbouring Tanzania, she argues that dance is isolated from music in Kenya, something she heavily believes isn’t helping the showbiz industry as is the case in Tanzania and the West.
“The industry in Tanzania is supporting their actors to extreme levels. Dance and music; those two elements you cannot separate and that’s something in Kenya we haven’t been able to do, we are separating music and dance.
Despite the emergence of a good number of notable choreographers in the last few years, unlike the past, Aggie says the dance industry in the country is still not yet there.
“There are so many upcoming dancers now, the existing dancers are also supporting them as well. With that we are witnessing now that most people now embracing dance in the country. Many people now appreciate dance and is no longer viewed as wasting time. Actually, you can’t sell anything right now without involving dance” she explains.
By Rajab Zawadi