Easy Afrobeats Dance Steps For Beginners In 2023

Afrobeats music has gained worldwide popularity in recent years, with artists like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage at the forefront of the genre. The high-energy, infectious beats of Afrobeats music make it impossible to resist moving your body. If you’re new to Afrobeats dance, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered with this beginner’s guide to easy Afrobeats dance steps.

1. Shaku Shaku:

Shaku Shaku is number on the list, and it is one of the most popular Afrobeats dance steps, and it’s relatively easy to learn. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, and your arms by your side. Then, shift your weight to your right foot and lift your left foot, tapping it on the ground beside your right foot. Next, shift your weight to your left foot and lift your right foot, tapping it on the ground beside your left foot. Repeat this motion while moving your arms in a punching motion from side to side.

2. Legwork:

Legwork is another popular Afrobeats dance step that involves moving your legs in a series of quick, rhythmic steps. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, and your arms by your side. Then, step forward with your right foot and immediately step back with your left foot. Next, step back with your right foot and immediately step forward with your left foot. Repeat this motion while moving your arms in a punching motion from side to side.

3. Zanku:

Zanku is a dance step that originated in Nigeria and has become a popular dance craze in the Afrobeats scene. The dance style was popularized by afrobeats artist, Zlatan. You simply start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, and your arms by your side. Then, lift your left leg and cross it over your right leg, landing on the ball of your left foot. Simultaneously, swing your right arm in front of your body while keeping your left arm extended to the side. Next, switch sides by lifting your right leg and crossing it over your left leg while swinging your left arm in front of your body and extending your right arm to the side.

4. Amapiano:

Amapiano is a dance step that originated in South Africa and has since become popular in Afrobeats music videos. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms by your side. Then, shift your weight to your left foot and lift your right foot, tapping it on the ground beside your left foot. Next, swing your right arm forward and your left arm back, then switch by swinging your left arm forward and your right arm back. As you swing your arms, tilt your body to the side that your arm is swinging towards.

5. Azonto & Shoki:

Azonto & Shoki is a dance step that originated in Ghana & Nigeria respectively and became popular in the early 2010s. Shoki dance is a popular Nigerian dance style that originated from the street culture of Lagos, Nigeria. The dance is named after a popular Nigerian song titled “Shoki” by Lil Kesh, which was released in 2014. Shoki dance steps involve a lot of footwork, body movement, and hand gestures that make the dance unique and entertaining.

The basic steps of the Shoki dance involve a swaying of the hips from side to side while taking small steps forward and backward. The dancer then adds a hand gesture by making a fist and moving it up and down in front of the body while still swaying the hips. The next step is to add a leg movement by bending one knee and tapping the foot to the ground, then switching to the other leg.

Azonto is a popular dance style that originated from Ghana and has gained popularity across Africa and beyond. The dance is characterized by its energetic and upbeat movements, which are usually accompanied by music that is similarly upbeat and lively.

The basic steps of the Azonto dance involve a lot of body movement, footwork, and hand gestures. The dancer typically starts by standing with their feet shoulder-width apart and their arms relaxed at their sides. They then move their hips and torso in a circular motion while keeping their legs relatively stationary.

Next, the dancer adds footwork to the mix by taking small steps forward and backward while continuing to move their hips and torso in a circular motion. They may also add a slight hop or jump to their steps to add more energy to the dance.

Another key element of the Azonto dance is the hand gestures. The dancer typically makes use of their hands and arms to create various shapes and movements. These movements complement the footwork and body movements. For example, the dancer may make a fist and move it up and down in front of their body or extend their arms out to the side and wave them back and forth.

In conclusion, Afrobeats dance is all about having fun and expressing yourself through movement. These easy Afrobeats dance steps are a great place to start for beginners. But don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own moves. So turn up the music, let go of your inhibitions, and start dancing!