It is with great honor that we announce Buddy Doubara Agedah as the Best African Dance Innovator in Nigeria of 2025, presented by Best of Best Review. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding contributions of Buddy and his platform, Dance & Art Alive, to the African dance scene, as well as their significant impact on culture, wellness, and social change.

A Visionary Leader in Dance and Culture

Buddy Doubara Agedah, an internationally recognized Nigerian dancer, choreographer, and cultural ambassador, has redefined the landscape of Afro-Latin and African dance in West Africa. As the founder of Dance & Art Alive, Buddy has built a dynamic and thriving platform that has become a cornerstone of the African dance ecosystem. Over two decades of professional experience have seen Buddy evolve from a passionate dancer to a global leader, uniting cultures and communities through the transformative power of dance.

Promoting Unity Through Dance

What sets Buddy Doubara Agedah and Dance & Art Alive apart is their commitment to fostering unity and cultural exchange. Through its flagship event, the West African Afro-Latin Dance Festival Nigeria, Buddy has created a platform that attracts dancers, enthusiasts, and ambassadors from across Africa, Europe, and Latin America. The festival, which takes place annually in both Lagos and Abuja, is more than just a celebration of dance; it is a space for cultural diplomacy, tourism, and wellness. The event's global recognition is a testament to Buddy’s ability to bring together diverse cultures and promote understanding through the universal language of movement.

Creating Real Impact Through Dance

Beyond artistry, Buddy Doubara Agedah has used his platform for social advocacy. Through partnerships with organizations like the Green Field Cancer Care Foundation and the Sebeccly Cancer Care Foundation, Buddy has integrated health initiatives into his festivals, offering free breast cancer screenings. This collaboration has not only raised awareness but also saved lives by facilitating early cancer detections. Buddy’s work demonstrates how art can transcend entertainment and serve as a force for social change, health advocacy, and community empowerment.

Cultural Diplomacy on a Global Scale

Buddy’s cultural influence extends far beyond the borders of Nigeria. His groundbreaking partnerships with diplomatic missions, including the Honorary Consulate of Colombia in Nigeria, have strengthened ties between Africa and Latin America. The success of the West African Afro-Latin Dance Festival Nigeria, with the participation of ambassadors and officials from various countries, showcases Buddy’s ability to use dance as a tool for international cultural diplomacy. These collaborations have positioned Dance & Art Alive as a leader in promoting global cultural exchange and understanding.

Empowering the Next Generation

Buddy’s impact is not just felt by those who attend his festivals, but also by the hundreds of dancers his company has trained and employed. Many of these dancers have gone on to achieve international recognition, contributing to Buddy’s legacy of nurturing talent and empowering youth. His mentorship has created a ripple effect, allowing dance to become a career path for many aspiring artists across Africa.

A Global Leader in the Dance Community

Buddy’s groundbreaking work in the arts has earned him numerous awards and two major international recognitions. In 2025, he made history as the first non-Ghanaian recipient of the Ghana Dance Merit Award for Afro-Latin Dance Development in West Africa. He also received the Benin International Dance Festival (BIDAF) honorary distinction award for promoting Afro-Latin dance across West Africa and the positive impact of his works in the Francophone community, especially through his original dance creations that are annually featured in the Benin International Dance Festival. His achievements have also been acknowledged by the Guild of Nigerian Dance Practitioners (GONDP), the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), the award from the Lagos State Governor for contributions to dance through the QDANCE Company, the Grand Awards and the Bodylanguage Dance Company recognition. These accolades speak to Buddy’s unwavering commitment to dance, culture, and social change.

But for Buddy, the greatest reward comes from the impact he has made on the lives of others. Whether it’s through creating opportunities for dancers or using dance to promote wellness, Buddy’s legacy is one of empowerment, unity, and resilience.

To learn more about Buddy Doubara Agedah and Dance & Art Alive, visit their website at www.danceandartalive.com.