This article was drafted by Norman Busigu.

From being flown out to New York City by Ciara’s team to feature in the music video for her smash single “Low” (with Diamond Platnumz), to bouncing around America with Davido during his Timeless Tour, Nkeiruka (NK) is fast becoming one of the most sought-after dancers and choreographers in the global Afrobeats circuit (and beyond). Once sneaking out of work shifts from her Sales Rep job back in 2018 to pursue her passion, to now becoming a full-time dancer (who has shared stages with the likes of Spice at the 2025 BET Awards Pre Show) and content creator… It would seem “Busybody” is a fitting nickname!

During our numerous conversations, it became clear to me that there lies a hint of innocent mischief deeply embedded within her character. Boasting a bold personality blended with an endearing sense of humour, NK is grounded in humility, purpose and faith. A fearless dream chaser that moves through the world in pursuit of her ambitions, she keeps her feet and soul firmly rooted as she moves and grooves to the rhythms of life.

Indeed, over the last decade, NK has been part of the movement that has helped Afrobeats ascend all over the world. In her view, dancers serve a dual function as both entertainers and promoters that are the special and secret sauce that enable a visual offering to become the best it can be. More widely, she also regards dancers as invisible threads that cohesively tie the many elements of a production together. With a specialism of Afro-Fusion as her core style (but still widely versatile in other dance forms) she harnesses the powers deep within her Igbo heritage to outwardly spread the spiritual sensations that vividly vibrate through her body into the world to thoroughly entertain whoever may be watching her dance. Wholly immersed in her dancing, and known to enter into flow state while doing so, she is often referred to as the “Queen of Facials & Energy” for her overly zealous and expressive mannerisms.

Having been in L.A. since the age of 13, she was born and raised in Imo state (Nigeria), now making her a member of the global diaspora. But she has never lost touch with her roots, with dance being the device that keeps her connected. Deeper than just a means of expression, for her, dance is a crucial vehicle that has the power to connect cultures and communities. Impressively, her abilities have taken her all over the world and led to her dancing for some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

A true polymath and dedicated student of the game, she holds a prolific portfolio career as Dancer, Choreographer, Casting Director, Founder of the casting platform “CASTED by NK” and Content Creator. Operating on the business end of the creative industry, she is committed to elevating African culture and increasing opportunities for those from our communities. Rather than waiting for opportunity, she is building her own table which places an intentional focus on casting and supporting black talents. In doing so, she is consciously striving to help address representational imbalances that exist and ensure those from our communities are given opportunities to be centre stage and showcase their spark.

I recently caught up with NK to discuss her career and life in great detail, the ascension of Afrobeats, the importance of dancers, remaining connected to her roots, running a casting platform, the realities of navigating the industry and more…

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A proud Igbo woman, you were born and partially raised in Imo state (Nigeria)… but moved to L.A. aged 13. How did you find the experience of immersing yourself into Black-American culture?

It was easy! The person I am - I don’t get intimidated. And even if I am intimidated, I don’t show it. I’m a strong girl; I don’t let things or people get to me. I am someone who stands up for myself no matter what! A fun fact actually is that my dad lived between Chicago and Nigeria. Because of him, already I was kind of already familiar on US lifestyle and culture from the stories he would tell me, before moving to America. Even the school I went to in Nigeria - New Laetare – gave me a global outlook: while there I partook in the arts (including a French acting club) and had the chance to travel within Africa.

By the time I came to the US, it was easy for me to adapt. I’m bubbly, extraverted, and find it easy to make friends. I speak and live my truth. Naturally, there were some culture shocks, but there was nothing I couldn’t handle. I never got bullied - or even if people tried to insult me, I guess I didn’t give it any notice. Now that I think about it Norman, I do specifically remember one time it happened and I shut it down – someone tried to ask me “do you guys chase goats for P.E.?”, and I replied “what do you mean, do you guys chase dogs!” and back then my accent was super thick hahahaha!

What inspired you to become a dancer, and what influence did American and Nigerian/African music play in this decision?

To me, dance is a gift from God… It’s been my passion since I was small. They call me “Busybody” because I’m always moving. Dance is a talent and a gift I was born with, and I turned it into something. Really and truly, I just love to entertain; I love the stage and putting smiles on people’s faces… Once my audience are laughing or smiling, it makes me really happy inside.

In Nigeria, we don’t listen to music, we feel it. They call me the “Queen of facials & Energy” – and if you now watch my videos with that in mind, you’ll see what they mean! I always tell my students, with African music, don’t worry about dancing like anyone else: learn the choreography and add your own sauce! As a teacher, I look to see unique bodily movements in one’s expressions… because this approach shaped me into who I am today. When watching someone dance to Afrobeats raw, it will honestly make you smile, because it’s so raw. American music exposed me to structure within performance – and also versality. One standout artist that comes to mind is Chris Brown – it’s almost like he can do everything! And through watching artists dance within genres like Hip-Hop and R&B, you learn many things like stage presence and its importance.

In your adult life, as someone who is based in L.A., what is the experience like for you whenever you return home to Nigeria, and what importance do you place on going back home?

Honestly Norman, there’s no place like home. No matter how far you go - home is home. When I go to Nigeria, I feel connected to my roots - the authentic way. I make sure I visit Owerri – it brings back childhood memories… I really love my country. It’s a blessing to know where I’m from, and having a place to run back to. In my life, it’s not just about building my legacy and brand in the US, but also doing so back home… If I’m not visiting other African countries, I’m making sure I’m growing my brand in Nigeria.

You’ve danced for some of the biggest names in the Afrobeats universe, including: Wizkid, Afro B, Flavour, Mr Eazi, D’Banj and ODUMODUBLVCK… what I find interesting, is how your career has spanned a pivotal time in the history of Afrobeats: the era (2018-now) in which this genre gained prominence in western markets. Reflecting on this last decade - what does it feel like to have been a part of the movement that has helped Afrobeats to rise in popularity over the last 10 years in America/L.A.?

Being a part of the movement that has helped Afrobeats to grow globally has been both powerful and humbling. Coming from a Nigerian background, Afrobeats to us isn’t a trend! It really is an important part of our culture. Too often I’ve seen people on platforms like Tik Tok just borrowing the culture… now look, there’s nothing wrong with anyone enjoying the music and dances and taking part - but it’s important to remember that this is not just a trend. I didn’t borrow this: this is culture, this is identity, this is spiritual. To see the genre flourish with artists Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and more over the last decade, and to see Americans like Ciara and Chris Brown authentically participating in the culture and collaborating with our Afrobeats artists has been a beautiful thing!

Pictured: Grammy winning artist Wizkid with Nkeiruka (NK)

From bending down “Low” with Ciara, to going on a “Shopping Spree” with Chris Brown x Davido x Young Thug, to turning up at Cardi B’s “Passa Passa Party”, and on the “Timeless Tour” with Davido… you’ve danced with some of the biggest stars in the industry! Going a step back however - what would you say was your breakthrough moment where you knew you’d made it/everything changed?

Hmmm… That’s a great question, Norman! I have a few moments. One of them definitely was being called to dance in Ciara’s music video for “Low” with Diamond Platnumz - specifically because of my signature dance move (“Matrix”)! Their team flew me out to New York City, and it was such an amazing experience. I love Ciara down! She’s a real one and insanely talented! A few weeks later, I danced with Ciara again: I was invited as one of the dancers to perform on America’s Got Talent with her. That was an incredible week and I’ll never forget it!

Pictured: Grammy winning artist Ciara with Nkeiruka (NK)

Another of those moments was in your city Norman - in London! London really has changed my whole career… I was in London at that time for a study abroad programme during my final year of college in 2018 - but did more dancing than studying hahahaha! And during that time, I danced in the music video for the song “Esopi Yo” between the queen Tiwa Savage and legend Awilo Longomba. For artists of this level to know who I am – and being ones I’ve always admired – and for them to want me to dance for them… At that moment I said two things to myself: Thank you God and Mama we made it! That music video feature was a real turning point in my life…

Impressively, you danced at the BET Soul Train Awards (2023) on stage with Dante Bowe. BET has historically been a staple in Black-American culture. How did you find this experience of dancing on such a culturally significant stage/how did you find overall experience?

As a Nigerian dancer, it has always been my dream to expand my reach and share my work with audiences in the United States. It was one of the best jobs ever! Everyone felt like family. Some (jobs) make you feel like you’re just another dancer, but within this experience Norman, they made everyone feel seen and safe. It was such a blessing that I didn’t even really see coming…

Pictured: Artist Spice with Nkeiruka (NK)

You are not just a dancer/artist, but you also exist in the business end of the industry: you are an accomplished Choreographer and Casting Director. I would love to know how you found the initial transition from being a dancer to the one teaching the steps…

The transition into choreography was really organic and natural: after years of experience as a seasoned Dancer, putting in serious time and effort into mastering this discipline - like any job there’s an upgrade. People would always say to me that I should teach - but initially I would say no. But then, over time when I really started stepping more into my gift, (and investing into this craft), I naturally transitioned into being a choreographer. Honestly Norman, one day God spoke to me, and I said I’ll start teaching. I listened to Him. And before you know it, I started making my own routines and choreography.

Pictured: Davido, Adekunle Gold and Nkeiruka (NK)

As a Casting Director (with your own casting platform, “CASTED by NK”), do you place any intentionality towards casting Black talents to help improve diversity, inclusion and access to opportunity (to those specifically from our communities) within the industry?

Definitely. This is a key reason why I started my platform. I always cast my people first, because they will understand the assignment best - especially when it comes to our culture. For example, if it’s Afro-Fusion song that needs dancers for the music video, I will initially aim to pick African talents - because they will get it, and you see it in their movements which is naturally in their bodies. I have to say, nowadays, I see a lot of talent that is ignored - and it’s sad… This space can be very transactional at times, with too much focus on things such as likes and follower counts… and the truth is those things are not important in the bigger scheme of things. I want to help people be seen and for their talent to take centre stage through my casting platform, and make sure my people are visible and represented! I want people to know that their talent is special.

It would appear you lead a jet-setting life - always on tour around the world dancing on amazing stages. With all that time away from home, keeps you grounded?

Never forgetting who I am and where I come from. Opening the door to tell other people to stand up to the norm of African parents who say that you shouldn’t pursue a career in entertainment or the arts… I want to show people if I can do it, you can too - if you lock in. I always keep my family in mind, and I want them to be proud of me.

Having achieved so much, what is next on the bucket list for you? Who do you want to dance for next/what is the next career goal?

I plan to start a new YouTube channel for Afro dance workouts at home, so keep an eye out for when that drops! I also really want to do Coachella and the BET awards one day, fingers crossed.

It’s no secret that becoming a professional dancer is incredibly difficult - what advice do you have to anyone reading this that hopes to achieve some of the things you have done?

Don’t lose yourself chasing your passion in this entertainment industry: stay true to yourself as this will set you apart. Do not sit around waiting for opportunities to come to you - you have to seek them out! And please, don’t be scared to reach out to people; don’t be afraid of hearing “No”. Even if that happens, at least you’ll know you tried.