Dancer Kaffy bags doctorate degree from Escae Benin University in Benin

In recognition of the influence her art, Nigerian dance veteran, Kafayat Shafau-Ameh also known as Kaffy has been awarded Honorary Doctorate Escae Benin University, one of the top 10 universities in Republic of Benin.

The award was conferred in recognition of Kaffy’s giant strides as a ‘pioneer in the business of dance in Africa’. It was presented at a ceremony which held in Lagos presided by officials of the institution and witnessed by professional colleagues and well-wishers of the Guinness World Record champion.

Kaffy was awarded alongside other Nigerian 'pioneers' (Instagram/Kaffy) Instagram

Other awardees include Guy Murray-Bruce, Group President, Silverbird Group, Nigeria, Adesimbo Ukiri, CEO, Avon Healthcare, Peter Okoye, International Artist and Director Zoom, Francis Adesina, International Illustrator, Publisher, Brand Strategist and Philanthropist.

According to Matthew Godwin Mario, Registrar, the dancer has made outstanding contribution in the creative industry, He said, “The President/ Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Directors, and staff of our institution decided to confer on you an Honorary Doctorate award. This award cuts across Africa and the rest of the world.”

“The university is giving this award to you for your outstanding contribution in the areas of youth development, empowerment, entertainment and philanthropy. Your leadership qualities and your profundity of thoughts have placed you on a pedestal above all your equals.

“An Honorary Doctorate Award acknowledges that the recipient deserves to be recognized for his/ her unsurpassed abilities due to life’s learning and experiences.”

Kaffy is one of the most renowned dancers in Nigeria (Kaffy) Instagram

The award comes just in time as Kaffy successfully brokered a health insurance deal with Avon HMO for all dancers and creative entrepreneurs. This unprecedented landmark achievement would help guarantee access to healthcare for her young colleagues.

“This award is just an icing on the cake for me because when I started it, people taunted me and wondered if I can amount to anything with dance. They said it was not honourable and befitting. There was nothing that I did not hear. Getting this doctorate degree came after the institution watched the consistency of the brand and how it has empowered people young people in the creative industry. Coming all the way from another country, this means a lot to me. This is also an opportunity for me to inspire young people that there is no limit to how far you can go.

Kaffy also used the occasion to announce her new book entitled Alajota, a Yoruba word used derogatively to mean one who dances for money. The book which is available for pre-order would be released later this month.

She revealed, “I titled the book Alajota to correct the impression that truly, dance is an empowerment tool for wealth creation. It is not only about money but values dance can contribute to development, economy and society as told from my personal experience. Alajota is an insight to how I have evolved and literarily went through the furnace. When people see me, they do not see what I have been through, this books details my travails with poverty, broken home and homelessness. I have seen contributors and reviewers to the book shed tears and tell me how the book has shifted something in them. The book is now available for pre-order online ahead of release by the end of this month.”