The 2nd edition of the Ghana Dance Industry (GHADI) Awards took place at the National Theatre on Saturday, February 8, 2025, celebrating several talented dancers.
Dancegod Lloyd clinched the ultimate award, Dancer of the Year, while DWP Academy won Street Dance Group of the Year. Afronitaaa and Abigail received Dance Merit Awards for their contributions as Street Dance Culture Ambassadors.
The Dancer of the Year category, which sparked controversy online ahead of the event, saw fierce competition from Dancegod Lloyd, Incredible Zigi, AfroNitaaa, Endurance Grand, Ezuntey Flex, and Bboy Lyricx. Despite the stiff competition, Dancegod’s contributions to the dance scene earned him the prestigious title.
DWP Academy was awarded Street Dance Group of the Year, beating other nominees such as Millitantz Dance Family, 4Bent Dance Crew, Arenees Dance Crew, and more.
Team Hubes won Dance Athletes of the Year (Group), while Afrikiko Leisure Centre was named AfroLatin Dance Club of the Year. Agoo Cultural Group took home Traditional Dance Group of the Year, and Let’s Dance Africa won Praise Dance Group of the Year.
The event also honored 22 dance icons for their significant contributions to the industry, including AfroNitaaa, Mr Drew, Laladzy, Abigail, and Allo Maadjoa.
International dance figures recognized included Buddy Doubara Agedah (organizer of the Nigerian Afrolatin Dance Festival) and Prince “MIK” Ofori (organizer of the CDC festival in Germany).
Roberk Klah, CEO of Dancetera and founder of the Ghana Dance Industry Awards, emphasized the importance of celebrating dancers: “Our dancers are not just the best in Ghana or Africa, they are among the best in the world. They need to be celebrated for their local and global achievements.”
Guests were treated to exciting dance performances by NOYAM, UADT, Arenees, Black Illusion, Militantz, and many others.
In attendance were lecturers from the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, including Terry Bright Ofosu (1989 National Dance Champion), Dr. Artistedes Hargoe, and several dance legends like Adjetey Sowah, Lumo Bortei Doku, and Nana Gazur.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie, commended the event and pledged support for the dance community. She also expressed disappointment at the absence of some industry stakeholders, urging musicians and fashion figures to show more support for dance.
The event featured a glamorous red carpet, hosted by Xclusizive Zake and Essilfua Boris, with Jay Foley and Chrystal Kwame-Aryee hosting the awards ceremony. DJ Alinko provided the music for the night.
The 2nd edition of the Ghana Dance Industry Awards was brought to you in association with the Dancers & DanceSport Association of Ghana, with support from Rhythms Africa, Charterhouse, and media partners, and broadcast live on GBC’s Lifestyle TV.
Below is comprehensive list of awardees and honourees of the 2025 Ghana Dance Industry Awards:
COMPETITIVE AWARDS (6)
DANCER OF THE YEAR
Dancegod Lloyd – Winner
Incredible Zigi
Bboy Lyricx
Afronitaaa
Endurance Grand
Ezuntey Flex
STREET DANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR
DWP Academy – Winner
4bent Dance Crew
Arenees Dance Crew
Milltantz Dance Family
Team Hubes
I Am Azonto
DGL
Flawless Dance Studio
TRADITIONAL DANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR
Agoo Culture Group – Winner
Keno Dance Ensemble
Kake Dance Ensemble
Djoomo Dance Theatre
Ahwehwe Youth Dance Ensemble
Delali Dance Ensemble
Torday Dance Ensemble
Great Africa Heritage Dance Ensemble
PRAISE DANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR
Let’s Dance Africa – Winner
Afrostepz
Children of God
Y4C
CDS
Flames Dance Company
Dancing Champions
The Parables
AFROLATIN DANCE CLUB OF THE YEAR
Afrikiko Salsa Night (Afrikiko Leisure Centre) – Winner
Dance Code Tribe
Kizomba Connect
Salsa In The City
Kiz Infinity
Golden Dance Drive
Dance Alive International
Kizalsa
Accra Kizomba Community
DANCE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR (GROUP)
Team Hubes – Winner
Flames Dance Company
One Ghana Dance Crew
Arenees Dance Crew
AfroStepz Dance Crew
Black Illusion Dance Crew
United Kings Academy
4Bent Dance Crew
HONOURARY AWARDS (22)
(1) Yvonne Nana Afriyie Okyere aka “Laladzy”, Dance Merit Award, Contribution to Street Dance Culture
(2) NOYAM African Dance Institute, Dance Merit Award, Contribution to African Contemporary Dance
(3) Spirit (ICGC) Dance Merit Award, Contribution to Praise Dance Culture
(4) Ballet Ghana, Dance Merit Award, Dance Development
(5) Buddy Doubara Agedah, Dance Merit Award, AfroLatin Dance Development, West Africa
(6) United African Dance Theatre, Dance Merit Award, Contribution to Traditional Dance
(7) Petra Peterson Sackey, Dance Merit Award, Contribution to AfroLatin Dance Culture
(8) Godwin Omebo, aka DJ Cosby, Dance Merit Award, Contribution to AfroLatin Dance Culture
(9) Survivor for Christ, Dance Merit Awards, Praise Dance for Social Good
(10) Benjamin Opoku aka “Allo Maadjoa”, Dance Merit Awards, Contribution to Street Dance Culture
(11) Vivies Dance & Theatre Academy, Dance Merit Award, Dance & Theatre Development
(12) Ghana Dance Association, Dance Merit Award, Traditional Dance Development
(13) Elvis Apaloo, Dance Merit Award, Dance Industry Development
(14) Atinka Media, Dance Merit Award, Dance for Social Good
(15) Maestro Milord & Lady Elsie, Dance Merit Award, AfroLatin Dance Culture Ambassadors
(16) Ebo Anderson, Dance Merit Award, AfroLatin Dance Development
(17) Prince Ofori aka DJ Prince MIK, Dance Merit Award, Street Dance Culture Ambassador
(18) Danita Akosua Adomah Yeboah aka AfroNitaaa, Dance Merit Award, Street Dance Culture Ambassador
(19) Abigail Adjiri, Dance Merit Award, Street Dance Culture Ambassador
(20) Mr Drew, Dance Merit Award, Street Dance Culture Ambassador
(21) Jerry “One” Obed Kwabena Atcheah, Dance Merit Award, Contribution to The Dance Culture
(22) Augustus Koranteng, Best Dance Student, Afro Pop, Traditional Dance and Kizomba Practical.
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