Ghana Dance Industry Awards 2025: Dancegod Lloyd Crowned Dancer of the Year
The 2nd edition of the Ghana Dance Industry (GHADI) Awards took place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the National Theatre, celebrating outstanding contributions within the dance community.
Dancegod Lloyd emerged as the Dancer of the Year, while DWP Academy secured the title of Street Dance Group of the Year. Afronitaaa and Abigail were also honored with Dance Merit Awards for their role as Street Dance Culture Ambassadors.
The highly competitive Dancer of the Year category generated significant buzz before the event, featuring top contenders such as Incredible Zigi, AfroNitaaa, Endurance Grand, Ezuntey Flex, and Bboy Lyricx. Despite the strong competition, Dancegod Lloyd’s impressive impact on the dance scene earned him the prestigious title.
DWP Academy triumphed in the Street Dance Group of the Year category, surpassing other talented groups, including Millitantz Dance Family, 4Bent Dance Crew, Arenees Dance Crew, Team Hubes Dance Crew, DGL Dance Crew, Flawless Dance Studio, and I AM AZONTO Dance Crew.
Other notable winners included Team Hubes, recognized as Dance Athletes of the Year (Group), Afrikiko Leisure Centre, named AfroLatin Dance Club of the Year, Agoo Cultural Group, awarded Traditional Dance Group of the Year, and Let’s Dance Africa, honored as Praise Dance Group of the Year.
A Celebration of Dance Excellence
The GHADI Awards, a blend of competitive and honorary accolades, paid tribute to 22 dance icons for their exceptional contributions to the industry. Honorees included AfroNitaaa, Mr Drew, Laladzy, Abigail, and Allo Maadjoa, alongside international dance figures such as Buddy Doubara Agedah, organizer of the Nigerian Afrolatin Dance Festival, and Prince “MIK” Ofori, the force behind the CDC festival in Germany.
In his remarks, Robert Klah, CEO of Dancetera and founder of the GHADI Awards, underscored the importance of recognizing dancers for their talent and global influence.
“After the first edition in 2021, we took a long break, but I can confidently say that the Ghana Dance Industry Awards is here to stay. Our dancers are not just excelling in Ghana or Africa—they are among the best in the world. It’s time we celebrate them at home for their achievements on both local and global stages. The GHADI Awards was created by us, for us, and we must ensure its credibility and relevance year after year,” he stated.
A Night of Spectacular Performances
Guests were treated to an electrifying showcase of dance performances spanning various styles and cultures. The lineup featured NOYAM, UADT, Arenees, Black Illusion, Militantz, Flawless, 4Bent, Ballet Ghana, Let’s Dance Africa, DWP, Flames, Gh Safari, One Ghana, Omowise & Teniola, Luumva & Mavis, Milord & Elsie, Krump Ghana, House Dance Ghana, Deaf Dancers Gh, Team Hubes, Kobi Rana, and the DiAsa Queens.
Distinguished guests included lecturers from the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, such as Terry Bright Ofosu and Dr. Artistedes Hargoe, as well as industry veterans like Adjetey Sowah, Lumo Bortei Doku, and Nana Dadzie from the Ghana Dance Association.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie, commended the organizers for their efforts in promoting dance. However, she expressed disappointment over the absence of some creative industry stakeholders, urging stronger collaboration between dance, music, and fashion industries.
The event featured a glamorous red carpet hosted by Xclusizive Zake and Essilfua Boris, while seasoned MCs Jay Foley and Chrystal Kwame-Aryee led the main ceremony. DJ Alinko provided the night’s musical backdrop.
The 2nd edition of the Ghana Dance Industry Awards was organized in collaboration with the Dancers & DanceSport Association of Ghana, with support from Rhythms Africa, Charterhouse, and media partners, broadcasting live on GBC’s Lifestyle TV and powered by Dancetera.
For updates, follow Ghana Dance Industry Awards on social media (@ghadiawards).
Complete List of Winners and Honorees:
Competitive Awards
Dancer of the Year
- Winner: Dancegod Lloyd
- Nominees: Incredible Zigi, Bboy Lyricx, Afronitaaa, Endurance Grand, Ezuntey Flex
Street Dance Group of the Year
- Winner: DWP Academy
- Nominees: 4Bent Dance Crew, Arenees Dance Crew, Millitantz Dance Family, Team Hubes, I AM AZONTO, DGL, Flawless Dance Studio
Traditional Dance Group of the Year
- Winner: Agoo Cultural Group
- Nominees: 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
- Winner: Let’s Dance Africa
- Nominees: AfroStepz, Children of God, Y4C, CDS, Flames Dance Company, Dancing Champions, The Parables
AfroLatin Dance Club of the Year
- Winner: Afrikiko Salsa Night (Afrikiko Leisure Centre)
- Nominees: 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)
- Winner: Team Hubes
- Nominees: Flames Dance Company, One Ghana Dance Crew, Arenees Dance Crew, AfroStepz Dance Crew, Black Illusion Dance Crew, United Kings Academy, 4Bent Dance Crew
Honorary Awards
- Laladzy – Contribution to Street Dance Culture
- NOYAM African Dance Institute – Contribution to African Contemporary Dance
- Spirit (ICGC) – Contribution to Praise Dance Culture
- Ballet Ghana – Dance Development
- Buddy Doubara Agedah – AfroLatin Dance Development (West Africa)
- United African Dance Theatre – Contribution to Traditional Dance
- Petra Peterson Sackey – Contribution to AfroLatin Dance Culture
- DJ Cosby – Contribution to AfroLatin Dance Culture
- Survivor for Christ – Praise Dance for Social Good
- Allo Maadjoa – Contribution to Street Dance Culture
- Vivies Dance & Theatre Academy – Dance & Theatre Development
- Ghana Dance Association – Traditional Dance Development
- Elvis Apaloo – Dance Industry Development
- Atinka Media – Dance for Social Good
- Maestro Milord & Lady Elsie – AfroLatin Dance Culture Ambassadors
- Ebo Anderson – AfroLatin Dance Development
- DJ Prince MIK – Street Dance Culture Ambassador
- AfroNitaaa – Street Dance Culture Ambassador
- Abigail Adjiri – Street Dance Culture Ambassador
- Mr Drew – Street Dance Culture Ambassador
- Jerry “One” Obed Kwabena Atcheah – Contribution to Dance Culture
- Augustus Koranteng – Best Dance Student (Afro Pop, Traditional Dance, and Kizomba)
This year’s Ghana Dance Industry Awards reaffirmed the significance of dance in Ghana’s cultural and creative landscape, spotlighting talents who continue to elevate the art form on both national and international stages.
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