From pastime to international performances, Alice Kwukei, an energetic Swange dancer, shares with Yinka Olatunbosun how her passion for theatre arts has opened doors to global stages
The signature movement of a Swange dancer is characterised by a rhythmic wave of hands and a fluid, snake-like twist. As a traditional dance of the Tiv people in Benue State, Swange is an energetic performance often showcased during festivals and celebrations. Accompanied by traditional music that blends Tiv and Hausa instruments, Swange serves as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy, promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Tiv people.
Perhaps no one embodies this better than the versatile artist Alice Kwukei. As a dancer of international renown and a former member of the National Troupe of Nigeria, she has made a significant impact in the world of dance. This Benue State-born thespian has emerged as a formidable force in the theatre space, skillfully bridging traditional African rhythms with contemporary global art forms. She has built a reputation as an outstanding performer of the Tembe Duen/Swange dance.
Kwukei’s creative trajectory has been a captivating dance of passion, resilience, and cultural heritage, marked by her continued success on the global stage. Born in Otukpo, a hub of the Idoma people renowned for their unique cultural practices, traditions, and language, Kwukei was immersed in an environment rich with the sounds of drums and the movements of dancers.
Given this cultural backdrop, it is no surprise that she began dancing at the age of eight, captivated by the alluring rhythms of traditional Otukpo music led by Mama Alice Igbe and the vibrant movements of the ‘Ajah’ traditional dance.
“Dance came to me as a natural talent,” she says with a hint of nostalgia. “I would dance anywhere and to whatever music I heard until I was invited to join the Ebony Theatre Troupe in Makurdi Benue where my professional journey started.
“Traditional African dance and music reflects the culture of the region, they can be religious or folk dances. These dances are often strongly connected with the beliefs and mostly done in storytelling forms hence the acting form is born. It sometimes has a call and response form which could include songs or drumming.”
Determined to expand her horizons through dance, Kwukei’s career took off with the Ebony Theatre Troupe in Makurdi, Benue State’s capital, in 1989. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2000, she was selected to join the Benue State Council for Arts and Culture.
A significant milestone came in 2003 when the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) conducted a national audition to recruit top artists to represent their states. Kwukei stood out among her peers with her outstanding performance of the Swange dance, becoming the only female dancer selected.
This recognition was a huge honour and privilege, marking her selection to represent her state. As she grew through the ranks, she became a dance captain and instructor, teaching dance and leading a group of artists for over 22 years.
“This role has taught me leadership and management skills which I apply in other aspects of life,” she discloses. “As a children’s theatre coordinator, these skills also helped me as nursery practitioner.”
Her career trajectory has taken her to national and international stages, where she’s had to adapt to diverse audiences. Initially, connecting with audiences from different cultural backgrounds proved challenging due to language barriers, particularly with call-and-response interactions. To bridge this gap, she had to rely on creativity.
A defining moment in her dance career came when she performed for 52 heads of government at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Abuja, sharing the stage with Queen Elizabeth II and President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was part of the cast.
As a stage actor, she is often cast in maternal or wifely roles. “I think it comes to me naturally as I have always been responsible for a lot of artists: teaching, caring, managing people even when some are older than you. It wasn’t easy. But it helped with navigating those roles.”
For Kwukei, starring in the stage production ‘Iba’, written and directed by Prof. Ahmed Yerima, stands out as one of the most memorable and challenging projects she’s undertaken. In this globally touring production, she played the role of Yemoja’s acolyte, which involved chanting and rhythmic movements while carrying a large pot of water.
She emphasises the importance of thoroughly understanding the production. At the National Troupe, detailed background research often precedes major productions to ensure the show resonates with global audiences. She believes dance is a powerful medium, capable of telling stories through rhythm and evoking emotions that transcend verbal dialogue.
Beyond her work as a dancer, actor, and drummer, Kwukei is passionate about mentoring and nurturing the next generation of performers. She’s been invited to lead workshops and seminars in private troupes and schools, sharing her expertise and teaching various dances. “And it’s very fulfilling to see younger people involved in the profession,” she adds.
Despite the challenges, she has no regrets about her chosen field, which was significantly underrated when she first started. “I do not have any regrets about my career and wouldn’t change anything about it.”
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