Celebrity Nigerian dancer, Kafayat Shafau, widely known as Kaffy, has expressed her concern about the lack of investment in the expansion of the dance industry, despite its growing recognition as a crucial component of the creative sector. Kaffy, a former Guinness World Record holder, highlighted the inadequate funding allocated to dance compared to other popular cultural forms like music and film.
During an interview with Saturday Beats, Kaffy emphasized the potential exploitation of dance for purposes other than entertainment. She noted that dance is now recognized as both a viable business and career, unlike a decade or so ago when parents were reluctant to enroll their children in dance classes due to a lack of understanding of its value. However, Kaffy pointed out that the dance industry lacks a structured ecosystem due to insufficient investment, unlike the movie and music industries. Dance is often regarded merely as a service provider rather than an integral part of the overall entertainment industry. Without investment and capital, dance cannot be sustained.
Kaffy also highlighted the significance of dance in holding the entertainment industry together. She explained that watching an artiste stand in one spot during a concert would be boring, emphasizing the dynamic and captivating nature of dance performances. Additionally, Kaffy emphasized the therapeutic power of dance, using it as a form of treatment for trauma and even autism. Dance can also improve the retentive memory of children.
As the founder of Imagneto Dance Company, Kaffy has personally invested a substantial amount of her own money in developing systems and technology to support both dancers and non-dancers. She also acknowledged the lack of a business mindset among many talented dancers. Kaffy believes that it is not a matter of talent but rather the realization that dance can be monetized. She emphasized the importance of providing the creative industry with the necessary knowledge and skills, such as accounting, marketing, sales, and social media usage, to help dancers succeed in their careers and businesses. Kaffy aims to address this gap through her platform, empowering young people in the creative industry with the tools they need for success.