When it comes to dance in Nigeria, Daniel is one of the names that come to mind. In an extravagant landscape filled with pop divas and entertainment kings and queens, Daniel kpodoh stands out.
In this interview with Eric Olusesan, he clears the air on misconceptions the public has about dancers and choreographers among other issues.
Who is Daniel Kpodoh?
Daniel Walter Kpodoh is a dancer, choreographer, theatre instructor and director, amongst other things. I studied dance and choreography at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and currently work with the Institute of Arts and Culture, University of Port Harcourt. I am a Niger Delta man, and I pride myself on my cultural heritage.
Why did you choose this line of career?
I have always loved to dance. It has always been a part of me. Dance, I believe, is one of the purest ways of expressing oneself and a method of communicating that speaks directly to the soul. At heart, I am a creator, which is why most of my works are written by me. Dance and choreography just seemed like the perfect with which I could truly express myself to the world.
Let us talk about some of the memorable moments in your life
Who or what do you consider the greatest influence in your life?
There are two persons to whom I owe my very nature, two who influenced me to become what I am today and to whom I will be ever grateful. First is my own mother—my first dancer who taught me dancing and showed me the value of the Niger Delta woman. The second is my elder sister, who I call my second mother. She taught me coordination and infused me with a sense of responsibility towards those under my care.
Let us talk about your job as a dance groomer, what are some of the achievements recorded?
I’m pleased to be able to say I’ve gone a long way in increasing the level of appreciation of theatre and the arts in the Niger Delta, and have used my productions to preach and foster peace amongst the youths of this region. It is always my pleasure to see those I have groomed and trained go on to do great things with their lives and careers as so many have.
What are some of the projects you have participated in?
I’ve been involved with a lot of carnivals and festivals, including the internally acclaimed Calabar and Abuja carnivals, and Rivers State Carnival (Carniriv). I also participated in the 17th National Sports Festival that took place in 2011,
National Youths Festival of Arts and Culture, and more recently, in the opening and closing ceremonies of the just concluded National Arts Festival, NAFEST, and the opening ceremony of the ongoing West African University Games, WAUG. I also directed the command performances of the United nations Disarmament Week in 2009, Rivers State Sustainable Development program, and the celebration of the icon Elechi Amadi.
How would you compare what you are doing with colleagues in the other parts of the world?
We are all lovers of art and theatre. Each of us is doing the same thing, though according to his/her own cultures and traditions. In some other parts of the world, theatre is already prominently recognised. The Italian opera is already celebrated globally, even by those who do not understand the language.
Here in Nigeria, we have so many songs and dances, so many different styles in so many different cultures that all deserve to be celebrated in every part of the world. This is what my work is truly about.
Let’s talk about your project “Biokpo”, what is it all about?
Biokpo is a story about hope, womanhood and culture. The name ‘Biokpo’ itself means hope in the Ijaw language. Through the story of Biokpo, a girl who has lost her ability to walk due to the post traumatic stress of losing her mother, we show the power of hope and the value and strength of the Nigerian woman. Biokpo, as a musical/dance drama also promotes and portrays the cultures of Nigeria, in particular the Niger Delta through dances. Biokpo the Musical is, as far as I know, the first theatre event to do all these mixed with modern, contemporary and high-life songs and dances.
Daniel, there is something about the expression on your face when you dance that intrigues me. Could you explain it?
Dancing is exciting. Fulfilling. I think the word for how I feel when I dance is enraptured. How can I explain how full my heart gets when I dance? It transports me to an almost different plane of existence. A higher plane. If he who signs once prays twice, he who dances prays a thousand times. It is the greatest feeling in the world.
Now, when young people who love dancing see you, they want to be like you. Did you have anyone you looked up to at the start of your career who you wanted to be like?
Yes, I did. One of my greatest icons and mentors is Prof. Bakare Ojo Rasaki whose style and methods in dance and choreography inspired mine. Another is the internationally acclaimed Black American movie director Tyler Perry, for his proficiency in using his stories to address real issues of life.
How do you cope with some of challenges in your chosen career?
The same way challenges anywhere should be faced: with patience, hard work and persistence. With these three, I believe any challenge can be surmounted. Having good friends and colleagues willing to assist and support is also very helpful, and I am very thankful to them.
So, what changes would you like to see in the next five years?
What I would love more than anything is to see a country where the arts are appreciated at all levels, and artists and entertainers are truly recognised and celebrated. I would love to see the government as a body and other privately owned institutions and companies supporting art based projects and those trying their best to use this means to promote our culture and tradition.