Some members of the group in a pose after receiving the award
Noyam African Dance Institute has been awarded at the just-ended Ghana Dance Industry (GHADI) Awards for its exceptional works and contributions to the development of African contemporary dance in Ghana.
The Ghana Dance Industry Awards aims to honour Ghanaian dance icons, groups and stakeholders who have contributed to the development of dance in the year under review.
Speaking after the event, Ghanaian choreographer and artistic director of the Noyam African Dance Institute, Nii-Tete Yartey stated that the award brings profound honour and a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of everyone involved in the Noyam journey.
“This recognition is not just for Noyam, but for the entire dance community in Ghana, as it highlights the importance of contemporary African dance as a vital and evolving art form. Over the past 26 years, Noyam has been at the forefront of developing and promoting contemporary African dance in Ghana.
“This dream, which began with the late Prof. Nii Yartey, has grown into a powerful genre within the repertoire of Ghanaian dance expressions. Prof. Yartey’s vision was to create a space where African dance could evolve, innovate, and inspire, and today, we see the fruits of that vision.
“This award is a celebration of his legacy and the collective efforts of all the dancers, musicians, artists, and supporters who have contributed to our growth,” he disclosed.
According to Nii-Tete Yartey, winning the award was a reminder of the responsibility that industry players carry to continue pushing the boundaries of contemporary African dance.
“This award also reinforces our commitment to artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and community engagement. It also serves as a motivation to keep inspiring the next generation of dancers and artists to dream big and work hard,” he added.
He urged young and upcoming dancers to take education seriously because education forms the foundation that will transform their careers and the entire dance industry.
“By combining your artistic skills with knowledge, you can innovate, lead, and elevate the art form to new heights. Education empowers you to understand the history, theory, and cultural significance of dance, enabling you to create work that is both meaningful and impactful.
“This award is a milestone, but it is also a call to action. Let us continue to celebrate the beauty, richness, and diversity of African culture through dance.
“Let us keep nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and inspiring change. Together, we can ensure that contemporary African dance remains a vibrant and dynamic force in Ghana and beyond. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey, and here’s to many more years of growth, innovation, and excellence,” Mr. Yartey emphasised.