March 24, 2024
Prominent dancer and choreographer, Kafayat Shafau popularly known as Kaffy, has narrated how she lost friends as a result of her profession.
During an interview with Punch, she claimed: “Taking on a career without any gender focus is already tough. As a dancer, the only place we were appreciated was when we were displaying for the National Troupe, or when we were called by a governor for a national assignment.
“Dancing was not a mainstream career, neither was it commercially viable. Breaking into that door that did not exist was the main sacrifice for me, as well as the pain of losing family friends and people around me. I was practically isolated.
“There even some people who initially supported me, but withdrew their support because they did not see what I was seeing.”
She also stated that women in entertainment were often viewed as sexual objects.
She said: “As a woman, one is often asked what value one brings to the table to be considered with one’s male peers. I struggled a lot with that because while expressing myself, I had to deal with music directors, editors and different stakeholders who felt one’s opinion was not necessary.
“But, one of the things that helped me was the fact that I am highly educated and intellectual enough to express my ideas and implement them in ways that earned me respect. I was also hands-on with whatever I said.”
The award-winning dancer also stated that during her career, she received more encouragement from males than women.
She said: “I have got more admiration and support from men, than women. It came after a bit of resistance, which is normal because there will always be some resistance when one newly gets into a field.”
-agency
