In recent years, there is a sound that has crossed borders, taken over dance floors, and revolutionized urban dance classes worldwide: Afrobeats. With its irresistible mix of African rhythms, energetic percussion, and modern beats, this genre has not only conquered the music industry but also the hearts of dancers and dance academies globally.
In 2025, Afrobeats has established itself as one of the most in-demand styles in dance schools. But what makes it so special? Why is it so trendy? And how can you start dancing it too?
We’ll tell you all about it in this article.
What is Afrobeats?
The term Afrobeats (with an “s” at the end) refers to a musical style originating mainly in Nigeria and Ghana, which fuses traditional African sounds with elements of hip-hop, dancehall, funk, and pop. It should not be confused with Afrobeat (without the “s”), an older genre created by Fela Kuti.
With artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Ayra Starr, or Rema, Afrobeats has climbed the international charts and even influenced Western pop. And, as with the music, dance has followed that same path of expansion.
Why is Afrobeats so popular in dance classes?
🎶 Because it’s pure rhythm
Afrobeats is designed to be danced to. Its constant percussion, shifting accents, and catchy melodies make it almost impossible to stay still.
💃 Because it celebrates the body
Afrobeats steps focus on the movement of the hips, chest, arms, and feet, but from an organic, natural, and powerful connection with the rhythm. It is a dance that doesn’t seek perfection, but rather expression and presence.
🌍 Because it connects cultures
Many dancers find in Afrobeats a way to get closer to the African roots of rhythm, energy, and community. It is a dance that moves collectively, that is contagious, and that is shared.
📲 Because it’s viral
Afrobeats choreographies are stars on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, which has sparked interest among young people and adults to learn this style from scratch.
What are Afrobeats classes like?
Afrobeats classes at academies like Así Se Baila are usually designed for all ages and levels, focusing on technique as much as energy and flow.
What do you work on in a class?
✅ Traditional steps like shaku, gwara gwara, zanku, or legwork
✅ Rhythm and body control exercises
✅ Modern choreographies to current hits of the genre
✅ Coordination, expression, and body awareness
You don’t need previous experience, just a desire to move, sweat, and enjoy.
Benefits of Dancing Afrobeats
✔️ Fun cardio: improve your endurance without even noticing.
✔️ Body-music connection: learn to listen and move from the rhythm.
✔️ Body confidence: by moving freely, you boost your self-esteem.
✔️ Guaranteed joy: it’s impossible to leave class without a smile.
✔️ Identity and culture: connect with a musical history that spans generations.
Who is driving Afrobeats in dance?
Many choreographers and dancers are taking Afrobeats to the top. Some current references:
- Izzy Odigie – recognized for her creative fusions of Afrobeats with contemporary dance.
- Sayrah Chips – an unstoppable force on social media, with steps that go viral.
- Kafayat Shafau (Kaffy) – a pioneer of urban dance in Nigeria.
- Ghetto Kids – a Ugandan group that has won over millions with their authenticity and joy.
Thanks to them (and an entire generation of African and Afro-descendant creators), Afrobeats has stopped being a passing fad to become a global movement revolution.
Where can you learn Afrobeats?
At Así Se Baila, we have incorporated Afrobeats as an essential part of our urban class offerings.
Because we believe that dancing is also a way to connect with cultures, release emotions, and break away from routines.
🎯 Our Afrobeats classes are:
- Suitable for beginners.
- Full of energy and good vibes.
- A collective experience where no one is left out.
If your body is asking for rhythm, Afrobeats is for you
Afrobeats is much more than a dance style: it is a celebration of the body, community, and life.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never danced before. If you hear a Burna Boy beat and feel like moving, this style is for you.
💃 Do you want to try it?
Book your trial class at Así Se Baila and discover why Afrobeats is conquering the world… step by step, rhythm by rhythm. 🌍🔥
Because sometimes, all you need to feel better…
is to let the drum guide you.
