Just under a year ago, Aggie The Dance Queen’s life changed after her catsuit-encased gyrations caused a sensation with a scene-stealing appearance in Kenyan super group Sauti Sol's clip for their hit "Short N Sweet".
The video vixen went viral when her Odi dance moves made her the kind of celebrity rarely seen in the African dance world. So, when Coke Studio Africa’s new season began, there was only one person to enlist as the choreographer to come up with dope dance designs for the series: Aggie The Dance Queen.
For the past seven years, Aggie The Dance Queen has been a member of the Sarakasi Dancers, and for the last three, the fitness trainer has also been a choreographer. She believes her success comes down to “hard work, discipline, dedication and commitment".
A lethal combination when topped with her “insatiable desire to dance". Her turn as choreographer and star of Sauti Sol's video not only upped her profile, it also, she believes, “made people appreciate dance as a career in Kenya”.
She got to put her career to the test on Coke Studio Africa's grueling schedule that featured many artists, singers and dancers collaborating to show off Africa at it’s best.
It was a challenge she relished: "It was an amazing prospect because I got to show my work, skills and creativity. I got to work with so many African artists - the best singers, dancers and directors; it was an unforgettable experience.”
How did she go about creating the routines for such a cast of colourful creatives from all over the continent, all repping different genres, flavors and histories?
She shares, “It started with listening to the song several times, listing down the ideas in mind to incorporate props, costumes, dancers and acrobats," adding, "It was also very much about getting the best dancers and most suitable dance styles for certain songs.”
Coke Studio Africa is a fabulous addition to her resume.
She says, “It helped me create new relationships, elevate my career and has opened me up to more job opportunities,” says agile Aggie who has a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Kenyatta University. Her time on set was even sweeter as she got to work with her husband Oscar Mwalo who is as talented as she is as a choreographer and fitness trainer… “We have a very healthy competitive spirit,” she laughs about the hubby who also manages her.
There are many highlights she remembers from filming this season of Coke Studio Africa “If I could relive the experience, I would! But dancing on that stage for almost each artist was the highlight!!” She pauses and changes her mind, yes she had a standout experience on the show: “The all-female season finale!!!! Whaaaaaattt! I felt so strong and powerful!”
