Young TikTokers documenting dances in Nairobi CBD attract tourists

Trips to the capital on a weekend were a strict family affair – but not anymore.

Young men and women in Nairobi have turned the streets into a playground for ‘street dancing’ – a form of content creation that is fast becoming a part of the Nairobi’s furniture.

The expansive tarmac on Wanbera street, Banda street – just around the Jamia mosque – and the well-paved stretch dissecting Muindi Mbingu street – are some of the famous dancing spots.

According to residents, ‘street dancing’ is a common phenomenon on Saturdays and Sundays – with hundreds of youth looking to loosen up – and shake a leg.

Empire Dance Kenya is one of the many groups that has been taking part in Nairobi street dance on weekends.

“We just invite young people through social media, and offer them a platform to dance,” Empire Dance Kenya group representative told Wananchi Reporting.

According to the group, Nairobi street dance is slightly over one-year-old.

“Our intention is to provide the youth with a creative outlet to promote talent, collaboration, unity and a healthy environment for competition, ” said Empire Dance Kenya.

But do they make money?

“At the moment we don’t make any money. It is enough that through dance we help young people to leg go and forget about stress in life. This is a meeting point that also makes Nairobi city very vibrant,” they say.

The dances are already forming part of the Nairobi life on weekends – with tourists visiting the capital loving it.

“Many people come to see us dance, even tourists,” they say – adding that theirs is driven by passion.

According residents of Nairobi, the congregation of dancers adds hype to the city life.

“I like the way they dance like nothing else matters in the world. I think it’s a very good way to spend time and relax especially now that many youth are grappling with unemployment,” said Cedrick Mwema, a resident of Nairobi.

The dances are synchronised and captivating to watch.

You will see different dance groups rehearsing a wide range of dance moves.

Hundreds of dancers are gathered here – it’s easy to mistake it for a dancing convention.

A few people walking on the empty streets are piqued by this unusual public display.

Music can be heard coming from mobile sound bars placed on the concrete – with a videographer capturing every move.

There is no doubting that this is the latest fad – as young men and women look to create content for their social media pages.

The dancers are asking the county government to help support their talent to enable them make money and earn a decent living.