ABOUT US
CEO/FOUNDER
Mrs. Azeez Kafayat Baruwa, popularly known as Mrs. Kay Awanjo, is a trailblazing Nigerian Choreographer, Creative Director, Economist, Dance/Entertainment Consultant, Project Manager and the Visionary Founder of AWANJO Dance Company. With over 16 years of industry experience, she has become a respected force in Africa’s dance and entertainment landscape.
Her journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, with early education at Command Nursery and Primary School and Command Day Secondary School, followed by a B.Sc in Economics from LCS Private University, Benin Republic.
A multi-talented dance professional, Kay Awanjo is trained in a wide array of styles, including Hip Hop, Afro Pop, Afrobeat, Krump, African Contemporary, Urban Sexy, Classical, and Contemporary Hip Hop. Her unique style fuses global rhythms with indigenous expressions, setting her apart as both a performer and mentor.
In 2015, she founded the AWANJO Dance Company, a passion project that has grown into a movement home to a vibrant community of dancers committed to excellence and innovation in performance. Under her leadership, the company has thrived for 8 years, delivering world-class choreography and stage management for music videos, live concerts, commercials, and global campaigns.
Career Highlights & Collaborations:
• Choreographed over 300 music videos from 2010–2016, working with Nigeria’s top artists including P-Square, D’Banj, Don Jazzy, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Falz, Teni, Zlatan, Kizz Daniel, and many more.
Directors She’s Worked With:
• Clarence Peters, TG Omori, Adasa Cookey, Unlimited LA, Aje Filmworks, Avalon Okpe, Paul Gambit, Lucas Reid, Mr. Moe Musa, Patrick Ellis, and others.
Mrs. Kay Awanjo is not just a choreographer, she is a movement builder, a mentor, and a cultural curator committed to redefining the power of dance in Africa. Her leadership continues to inspire the next generation of performers and creatives across the continent and beyond.
Awards
International Photography Award
Fashion Photography Award
Best Shot Award
Euro Lense Award
Featured In
Vogue Magazine
Aperture Magazine
PetaPixel Website
Education
Command Nursery and Primary School
Lagos Nigeria
Command Day Secondary School
Lagos, Nigeria
B.Sc In Economics
LCS Private University, Benin Republic.
Creative Director | Choreographer | Movement Artist
Dickson Damilara Emmanuel, widely recognized by his stage name Xdickson, is a dynamic Nigerian creative director, choreographer, and movement creator whose influence spans dance, entertainment, and nightlife culture. With a career marked by innovation, bold expression, and a fierce commitment to excellence, he stands as one of the driving forces behind the iconic Awanjo brand.
A pioneer in street and stage choreography, Xdickson’s personal brand, XDC, represents more than dance, it embodies rhythm, creativity, and cultural fusion. His movement artistry speaks volumes in both commercial and underground scenes.
Competitions & Awards
Xdickson’s rise to prominence began with a string of major competition wins and accolades, including:
• Winner, Sprite Triple Slam (2011)
• 2nd Runner-Up, MDA Season 4 (2010)
• 1st Runner-Up, Hip Hop International Nigeria (2017)
• 2x Champion, IDO Street Dance (SPAN Nigeria, 2015)
• Winner, Remy Martin Dance Competition (2014)
Xdickson’s artistry and leadership have helped shape Awanjo’s identity as one of Nigeria’s most respected dance collectives. His commitment to pushing boundaries, mentoring emerging talent, and elevating performance standards continues to impact the entertainment industry on a grand scale.
THE BRAND - AWANJO DANCE COMPANY
ABOUT AWANJO COMPANY
Founded on May 8, 2015, Awanjo Dance Company is a premier Nigerian dance ensemble dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and reimagining the power of African movement and storytelling through contemporary performance. Based in Nigeria, Awanjo merges the richness of traditional African dance with modern choreography, creating evocative, high-energy productions that transcend borders and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Awanjo which means “We Can Dance” was born from a desire to uplift cultural heritage, empower local talent, and challenge global perceptions of African performance art. Since its inception, the company has cultivated a distinctive artistic voice rooted in rhythm, resistance, and revival. With each piece, Awanjo pushes the boundaries of dance as both an art form and a tool for social change.
The company is composed of versatile dancers, choreographers, and storytellers trained in diverse movement styles, from Bata and Atilogwu to Afro-fusion, street dance, and contemporary technique. Their performances explore themes of identity, spirituality, resilience, and revolution, often accompanied by live drumming, spoken word, and visual elements.
Over the years, Awanjo Dance Company has graced stages across Nigeria and internationally, performing in festivals, cultural exchanges, schools, and theatrical spaces. They also host workshops, community outreach projects, and mentorship programs to nurture the next generation of dance artists in Africa.
With a bold vision and a deep reverence for tradition, Awanjo continues to ignite the stage with passion, purpose, and unprovoked performance.
Major Live Shows and Events – Directed & Performed
AWANJO has Directed and Performed for some Africa’s biggest concerts and entertainment platforms, such as:
- Big Brother Naija (2019)
- Headies Awards (2025)
• AMVCA (2018, 2025)
• Kizz Daniel Live (2019)
• Zlatan Live (2019)
• Buju Live (2021)
• Livespot X Festival (2018–2019)
• Afro Nation (2019)
• Cardi B Live in Lagos (2019)
• Felabration (2015–2019)
• Falz Experience (2017, 2019)
• UEFA Champions League Finals (Heineken) (2017-2019)
• GTBank & UBA Concerts (2023–2024)
• Supremacy Concerts (2023)
• Afrima Awards (2017)
• Trace LiveRhythm Unplugged - NFF AwardsArise Gala (2025)
• ThisDay @ 30Turn Up Lagos (2024)
• Vibes of the Year – DJ Consequence (2023/2024) - MAVIN Concert (2014)
- BAFEST by Access Bank (2018, 2019)
- The Voice Nigeria (multiple seasons)
- Heineken Fashion Week
- UBA CEO Awards,
- Soundcity
- MVP
- NNPC Logo Review 2022
- Afro Nation Ghana, and more
Commercials & Brand Work:
• TV commercials and campaigns for GLO, 2Sure, Microsoft, Prime Video Nigeria, and NNPC.
Nightlife & Club Scene Appearances
• WBar
• Bayrock
• Secret Palace
• Escape Lounge (Benin)
• Sailors
• The Tribe
• Kratos
THIS DAY @30 ANNIVERSARY
Stage Performance
2025
A grand celebration of culture and legacy, our electrifying performance at This Day @30 fused modern choreography with vibrant Afrocentric flair, captivating the audience from start to finish.
THE HEADIES AWARDS
Stage Performance
2025
For over seven years, Awanjo has delivered bold, dynamic performances at Nigeria’s biggest music awards, blending high-energy dance with visual storytelling on the industry’s most iconic stage.
CARDI B LIVE IN LAGOS - LIVESPOT X
Stage Performance
2019
Sharing the stage with a global superstar, Awanjo brought fierce moves and flawless energy to Livespot X, delivering a show-stopping performance that left Lagos roaring for more.