Throwback Thursday: Yahooze, Galala, Other Dance Moves Nigerians Rocked In Early 2000s

 

The dance art has sure had significant improvement in the Nigerian entertainment industry.  Dance, based on the use of expressive movements has a dialogue or narration/speech for its meaning and understanding.

Dance which combines the use of gesture and mime has been endorsed by many singers, to promote their music. i.e they introduce a dance routine alongside their music to make it more acceptable by their fans, as well as keep the song alive.

Many of the dance routines between the year 2000 to 2010 went viral, while many did not. AllNews have put together some of the many moves with their initiators and songs that came along with them.

1. Galala

One of the earliest dance moves in 2000 was ‘Galala’ that came into limelight by Daddy Showkey. The dance was very popular in the ghetto areas of Lagos, especially in Ajegunle.

There was hardly a party where ‘Galala’ was not danced, as it was accepted by many, including the late Ras Kimono, Blacky, old and young people. The Galala move involves backward movements of the legs and forward movements of the hands.

2. Makossa

This was another dance move that rocked in the early 2000s, although it steams from Congo and has a Congolese song with the name, it was well accepted by Nigerians. Makossa. It entails the movement of the legs curved sideways back and front. It was made popular by Awilo Longomba and Kofi Olomide.

3. Yahooze

In 2007, Nigerian singer “Olu Maintain” came through with his “Yahooze” track that came with dance routine. The hit single did not only make waves in Nigeria, but internationally. It came as at a time when internet fraud was not so pronounced in the country. ‘Yahooze’ was one of the most common in Nigeria, at that time. The technique was swinging of arms with two fingers into the air. It was well accepted for 6 months and beyond. The song had massive plays in clubs, bars, hotel, parties, and social gatherings

4. Suo

Just like Galala, Suo was originated in the ghetto area. Just like some other dance moves, it came with the release of "Danfo Driver" a song by MarvellousBenjy, the duo of Mad Melon and Mountain Black. The song was a massive hit at the time. The very unique body movements resembles somebody attempting to start a generator. The lowering in the waist and pulling and stretching hand movement.

5. Alanta:

The dance trend came along with a track dubbed ‘Alanta’ by a group called Artquake. They broke into limelight with the song which featured Terry G. the ‘Free madness’ crooner is believed to have made the song and its dance go viral.

Alanta involved a movement of the arms and legs in an alternate manner and crazy facial expressions that were slightly debasing.