A scene from the awards ceremony
The second edition of the Ghana Dance Industry (GHADI) Awards took place at the National Theatre on Saturday, February 8, 2025, celebrating several talented Ghanaian 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 Afro Latin 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 honoured 22 dance icons for their significant contributions to the industry, including Afronitaaa, Mr Drew, Laladzy, Abigail, and Allo Maadjoa.
International dance figures recognised included Buddy Doubara Agedah (organiser of the Nigerian Afro-Latin Dance Festival) and Prince “MIK” Ofori (organiser of the CDC Festival in Germany).
CEO of Dancetera and founder of the Ghana Dance Industry Awards, Robert Klah, emphasised 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 at the awards ceremony 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) and several dance legends like Adjetey Sowah, Lumo Bortei Doku, and Nana Gazur.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, 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 second edition of the Ghana Dance Industry Awards was organised in partnership with the Dancers & Dance Sport Association of Ghana, with support from Rhythms Africa, Charterhouse, among others.