Art & Culture

Dave Blaque: From Lagos Streets to Cardiff Spotlight

18 January

Photographed by: Taiye Omokore

In the heart of Cardiff, David Udemezue, known popularly as Dave Blaque, is creating a dance revolution that transcends borders and challenges norms. Raised in the vibrant chaos of Lagos City, Dave’s journey into the world of dance reads like a compelling narrative of passion, resilience, and cultural fusion.

In our exclusive interview with Dave, we delve into his incredible journey from a self-taught dancer to hosting his very own dance workshop in Cardiff City.

The talent took his first steps into the world of dance at the tender age of six. A birthday party mishap, both embarrassing and mesmerising, sparked a fire that would define his path.

Despite his mother’s initial reservations, Dave’s older sister, a high school dancer, became his guiding light. Sneaking out, street dance sessions, and a blossoming talent for choreography marked his teenage years. By university, he was appointed the president of the dance department, leading the “Anonymous” dance group with infectious energy.

Turning 18 brought a temporary halt to his journey. His mother, fearing the “lifestyle” associated with dance, enforced multiple restrictions on his chosen career path. But for Dave, dance wasn’t a hobby; it was a passion. He persevered and taught himself through video tutorials, his isolation fueling his creativity. This solo training led to an unexpected discovery: a unique style, an Afro-fusion symphony where every influence, from Chris Brown to Afrobeast, found its own harmonious note.

When we inquired about Dave’s core dance influences, he shared, “Some dancers that inspired me on my journey were Westsydelifestyle, Afrobeast, Dancegod Lloyd, Chris Brown, Jason Derulo, Justin Timberlake, Daddy Shoki, Terry G, P Square, and Himself.”

The talent exudes an unapologetic blend of confidence and certainty in his craft, a magnetic energy that he hopes will become the heartbeat of Cardiff’s dance scene. Melding various dance genres into his Afro, Dave yearns to become a standout force in Cardiff’s dance community.

Dave’s long-term goal is to teach dance, which is what motivated him to host his very own Afro-fusion dance workshop, called “Vibe with Blaque,” at Flame Studios in Cardiff on January 27, 2024.

When we inquired about the motivation behind his upcoming workshop, he said,

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had the desire to host my own workshop because I love teaching, and after coming to Cardiff, I realised that, although there are a lot of dancers in Cardiff, most of them are too scared or pretend to be busy because they don’t feel Afro is the style for them.”

Dave Blaque is here to change the narrative. He sees a vibrant dance scene in Cardiff, but one where Afro isn’t always embraced, and has therefore decided to break barriers and help dancers overcome their reluctance to embrace Afro styles. He aspires not only to teach moves but also to instill a love for Afroculture and promote physical health through movement.

For Dave, his biggest challenge wasn’t competition but judgement. Opposition from his church back home, believing that secular music was a threat to his faith, nearly silenced him. Although he has now overcome these repressing feelings by realising that his journey belongs solely to him alone, he is determined to prove that dance can and should be used as a force for good.

Although the choreographer’s career has been marred by hurdles, he has had a lot of career highlights. He recently choreographed his first piece with the acclaimed Dancefit Dancers and also got a feature in his first international movie, “Men Up” streaming on BBC.

Dave gives notes on the dance community in Cardiff, he highlights that they are incredibly sophisticated but yet determined to remain stuck in their familiar styles, leaving little room for change. Although he credits that recently he has witnessed a change, a slow embrace of diversity, He knows the process wouldn’t be easy, but for the visionary, dance isn’t a career; it is a conversation, and he is very determined to keep going.

The dancer loves to give credit where due, and he never stops pinpointing the events and schools that have supported not just his career, but the dance and arts community in Cardiff. He lists places like “Dancefit Wales, Jukebox Collective, Otid Entertainment (Afrowales), and WAVDA” as key groups and organisations that have supported him and the dance community.

The rising star’s upcoming workshop on the 27th promises an Afrobeat-filled extravaganza. With plans for monthly workshops and dreams of influencing the Afro-dance community across Wales and the UK, Dave’s journey is far from over.

When asked on his advice for young creatives in the industry, his advice was simple:

“Embrace the Diversity. The more styles you know, the richer your story, the wider your creativity”

Dave Blaque is more than just a dancer; he is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the universal language of movement. His journey, from Lagos’s dusty streets to Cardiff’s spotlight, is a testament to the unstoppable power of dance. And as he takes his workshops across Wales and the UK, one thing is certain: Dave Blaque is determined to keep the conversation going, one infectious beat at a time.

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