We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chijioke Nwadike a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chijioke , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was a transformative moment at the age of 11. Growing up in a vibrant village in Nigeria, I had the unique opportunity to feature in a gospel music video. This experience was nothing short of magical.

From an early age, I was mesmerized by the way the village women danced during ceremonies. Their movements were a beautiful expression of joy, community, and tradition. Watching them dance, I felt a deep connection to the rhythm and emotion they conveyed, and it ignited a passion within me.

Being part of that gospel music video was the spark that set my heart on fire for dance. It wasn’t just about the moves or the music; it was about the way dance made me feel alive and connected to my culture. The joy of expressing myself through dance, combined with the positive impact it had on the people around me, made it clear that this was more than just a hobby—it was my calling.

That moment in the village, surrounded by the music and the supportive community, was when I knew that dance was my path. It was the beginning of an incredible journey that continues to shape who I am today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! For those who might be meeting me for the first time, I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey and what I do. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with numerous organizations and celebrities, and I’m well-known for my cultural background and distinctive talent.

My passion for dance began when I was young, dancing in the streets of my village in Nigeria and watching the women of my community perform at various ceremonies. This early exposure to dance profoundly shaped my love for movement and rhythm. I officially started my path at the age of 11 when I featured in a gospel music video, which ignited my passion for a professional career in dance.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to open shows for some of Africa’s biggest artists, including Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Davido, and P-Square. Each performance has been a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion I bring to my craft. I’ve showcased my talent in various settings, from intimate weddings to large festivals, bringing joy and entertainment to diverse audiences.

What sets me apart is my deep-rooted connection to my cultural heritage, which is evident in my performances. I aim to bring a unique blend of traditional and contemporary dance, creating a captivating experience for my audience. Additionally, I’ve always remained humble throughout my career, which has endeared me to fans and colleagues alike.

One of my proudest accomplishments is the community I have helped build through my art. Dance has not only allowed me to express myself but also to connect with others and build a supportive and passionate community around the art form.

In terms of what I offer, I provide a range of services, including live performances, dance workshops, and choreography for events. I strive to solve the problem of bringing authentic, high-energy entertainment to various occasions, ensuring that every event I’m a part of is memorable and impactful.

I hope this gives you a good insight into my journey and what I stand for. Thank you for your interest and support!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is getting paid to do what I love while creating a vibrant community that appreciates my work and talent. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of passion turning into a profession, and knowing that my art brings joy and connection to others is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing people come together to enjoy and celebrate my creativity makes all the hard work worthwhile. It’s an amazing journey of love, expression, and community-building.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that truly illustrates my resilience involves the journey from street dance to performing on major stages. When I started dancing at 11, featuring in that gospel music video, I felt a spark of passion that guided me. Growing up in a Nigerian village, my inspiration came from the village women dancing at ceremonies. They embodied joy, community, and resilience, and I aspired to bring that same energy into my dance.

Transitioning to the bustling streets of the nation’s capital was a significant challenge. The competition was fierce, and the opportunities seemed limited. Many days were filled with practice and performances with little to no recognition. However, consistency was my mantra. I kept pushing, honing my craft, and believing in the process.

During this time, trusting God played a vital role. There were moments of doubt and fatigue, but my faith provided the strength to keep moving forward. This journey of faith and perseverance led to incredible opportunities. I eventually opened shows for top artists like Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Davido, and P-Square. These achievements were not just career milestones but also a testament to resilience and unwavering belief.

Through it all, I remained humble and focused on the community aspect of my work. Building a supportive and passionate community around dance has been one of my proudest accomplishments. This journey taught me that resilience is about staying true to your passion, trusting the process, and believing in the larger plan.

I hope this story inspires others to remain steadfast in their pursuits, despite the challenges. Keep dancing through life with faith and perseverance!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chijiokeosuala/profilecard/?igsh=cGRleXd4a3hyajdv
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cjthedancer?si=xVSUYt_ngl3SM5Ps

Image Credits

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