Two renowned American breakdancers, Macca Malik and Jacob “Kujo” Lyons, visited Nigeria from May 11 to 18 as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Envoy Program. This weeklong initiative in Abuja and Lagos was supported by the U.S. State Department’s Sports Diplomacy Division and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, in collaboration with the FAME Foundation, led by U.S. government exchange alumna Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello.
In Abuja, the U.S. Sports Envoys engaged with the Nigerian Olympic Committee, emphasizing breaking’s new status as an Olympic sport and highlighting the global opportunities available to Nigerian breakers. Their visit underscored the U.S. government’s commitment to Nigerian youth and inclusivity. At the School for the Deaf in Kuje, Malik and Lyons shared stories of dedication, leadership, and teamwork, inspiring students to form a Breakdance Club and promoting the message that “there is ability in disability.” They also provided best practices for managing sports for people with disabilities. Additionally, they led workshops and masterclasses at Krump Dance Studio, where breakers from Northern Nigeria received guidance on preparing for Olympic competitions and honing their techniques.
In Lagos, the Sports Envoys conducted masterclasses at Nation Dance Studio, offering emerging and established breakers valuable tips for preparing for breaking competitions. They also participated in an American Spaces Employability Webinar, engaging with breaking enthusiasts across Nigeria’s 27 American Spaces. During the webinar, Malik and Lyons discussed how to transform a passion for breaking and other artistic forms into fulfilling careers, while emphasizing the role of sports in developing self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
The visit concluded with captivating public performances in Abuja and Lagos, where audiences were treated to breathtaking choreography and compelling narratives. Acting U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Joseph Zadrozny highlighted the program’s aim to promote cultural exchange and community enrichment through dance and sports.
“Our Sports Envoy Program is integral to building strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Nigeria,” Zadrozny said. “The lessons shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace.”
The enthusiasm and knowledge shared by Malik and Lyons were met with tremendous appreciation from the Nigerian breaking community, sports, and cultural leaders.
