Westsyde Lifestyle are the dance crew from Lagos changing the game

BUDX and Mixmag have come together for the Kings of Culture documentary project, a special five-part series to showcase artists and collectives from around the world, each of which delves into the scenes that are pushing forward creativity.

Our first episode took us to Ho Chi Minh City to explore its vibrant street art and fashion scene and in episode two, we head to Lagos, Nigeria, to meet the energetic choreography and dance crew, Westsyde Lifestyle.

Westsyde Lifestyle started dancing as friends about seven years ago and three years later, they decided to officially join forces. As self-taught dancers, their style and spirit comes straight from the influences of their surroundings. One of the members explained the importance of their crew stating, "Westsyde is the heartbeat of the streets. It is a way of life."

When it comes to the global stage, the dance crew have been featured in the music videos of some of Nigeria's biggest artists including Davido, Wizkid, Niniola, Olamide, all of which have gathered millions of plays since release.

In the mini documentary, they speak about dance as more than just movement but also culture and inspiration to others.

With no major dance platform in West Africa, groups like Westsyde Lifestyle rarely get the recognition that they deserve and here we shine a much-deserved light on the dance crew that's doing big things for Lagos.

Watch the video below.

Credits

Music:
'Sope' by Mayorkun
'Soapy' by Naira Marley

Script:
Ngozi C Daniels.