How Dance Becomes Resistance in Nigeria | Emerging Creatives Program

Raymond Etifit is a Nigerian creative artist, advocate, and founder of Bigstepaz Dance Academy, using dance as a voice for the voiceless. Through powerful movement and storytelling, he transforms real-life struggles into performances that challenge injustice and inspire social change. After completing a four-week mentorship with the Street Project Foundation in 2025, Etifit began using his art to advocate for social issues affecting Nigeria — including the abuse of child domestic workers and the legacy of the End SARS protests. His work draws from lived experience, civic repression, and a deep commitment to children’s rights and youth empowerment. For the Emerging Creative Program Etifit performed a piece called ‘The rope and the rescue’. The moving dance-art performance expresses the narrative of a child domestic worker trapped in the cycle of abuse, neglect, and emotional pain. Despite intimidation and physical violence, Etifit continues to speak up through his art. His performances educate communities, empower young people, and shine a light on abuse, injustice, and neglect that many choose to ignore. “I am not just dancing, but raising a generation of voices through every step.” Video captured by: Emmanuel Ighogboja Follow @RaymondEtifit50 on Instagram _____________________________________________________________________ Global Citizen is a social action platform for a global generation that aims to solve the world’s biggest challenges. On our platform, you can learn about issues, take action on what matters most, and join a community committed to social change. We believe we can end extreme poverty because of the collective actions of Global Citizens across the world. Register to become a Global Citizen and start taking action today: https://www.globalcitizen.org/ You can also find us at: Website: https://www.globalcitizen.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GLBLCTZN Twitter: https://twitter.com/glblctzn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glblctzn/