Friday, April 9, 2010

Abuja Salsa Weekend

Thanks to everyone who made last week's salsa weekender a huge success. Thanks to Mike and Titi from Salsa Abuja. Mike especially for all the hard work he put in and for getting his CD collection stolen in the process.

 
Thanks to Dance Craft from Lagos and the other guys who took the time out to come and visit us in this little town called Abuja. The energy and positive vibes they brought were wonderful. Thanks, Paul, Kquincy, Delali, Michael, Jennifer and Tina. And of course Essien and Tayo for 'returning to base' for the weekend.



And of course (here comes the cheesy part) all of you guys who came down to learn, dance and laugh. Last but not least, thanks to Dakova (Aristotle champagne lounge) and Ceddi Plaza for hosting us.



Have a good weekend guys and of course salsa's on this Saturday from 8:30.

 
Adamu...

Friday, January 8, 2010

2010

Happy New Year guys. It's been a while since I posted last. Hope you are all well.

Salsa in Abuja is still going strong. However we'll be loosing one of the heavyweight godfathers soon. I'll post up more when I'm allowed to! Also I might be stepping things down a notch to focus on other things. But for now it's business as usual. We still have the Saturday nights at Aristotle in Ceddi Plaza from around 7:45 to 10:00. I say around because sometimes the Premiereship Football sometimes interrupts. And the 1st Sundays of every month as well at Ceddi Atrium is still going too.

See you guys soon and keep dancing.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

October 1st

Happy Independence Day! I'll leave the political musings out of this blog. Whatever you are doing today, enjoy yourselves. I'll be at salsa at Nicon Luxury with the Salsa Abuja crew. Later people.

Monday, August 3, 2009

WASSUP PEEPS!!

How are you all doing? It's been a while.

First of all last Sunday(2nd of August) kicked a**! Those of you who weren't there missed out. We all had a great dance so make sure you make it to the next event. Every 1st Sunday of the month at Ceddi Plaza atrium our fellow salseros 'Abuja Salsa' host an event that starts around 5. It's a wonderful way to start salsa, dance in a nice environment, meet people and just have a great evening with friends and family. I taught a little girl the basics so I mean it when I say family. Salsa is for everyone, old or young and don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

Oh yeah what the hell happened last Saturday? No ladies turned up until 10!! We had about 8 guys sitting there looking at each other. It got scary for a while man!! I know Tayo wanted to ask me to dance but I don't think I could have followed his crazy style. Luckily you ladies came in the nick of time and the night was saved. PLEASE don't do that again!!

Once again salsa in Abuja is still a little baby so we have to help it grow. Now that's poetry for a monday morning.....Back to work now.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

LEADING AND FOLLOWING

Hi people.

Ok someone has to say this officially so I'll do it. A lot of us guys (me included) are getting slack with leading skills. Guys sometimes when a lady doesn't get a move it's because of our lead period.And before you ladies start saying anything, your following and turn completion skills are also getting slack. Honestly sometimes, when I'm watching people dance, sometimes it looks like they are fighting! I've been slacking myself so I'm going back to the drawing board to dust off my leading techniques.

Also we all need to be sympathetic to each other's skill levels. Guys if you are dancing with a lady who is just beginning or one who doesn't really like spinning etc, resist the urge to just plough through your more advanced moves any way just to show off. It looks bad and you both don't really enjoy the dance. Ladies, if a guy is just starting out, be patient. Afterall you were once a beginner. Give and take.

Another thing, will some of you (you know who you are), stop thinking you are advanced or even intermediate dancers after dancing for 2-3 months. As far as I'm concerened, you are a begginer. So ditch the salsa king/queen attitude. I personally think that an advanced dancer is someone who has been dancing for about 5 years upwards. And that person must have been doing it constantly. Learning and developing their skills all the time.

Ok, enough yapping.

Don't forget about the new Sunday salsa social at Ceddi Plaza Atrium. It happens every first Sunday of the month around 4-5pm onwards.

See you all soon.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Movin' On Up

Hi All,

Just wanted to say thanks to all those who have and are supporting the Saturday salsa nights at Aristotle and Thursday nights at Nicon. I personally don't feel you can mention one without the other because a lot of us support both and they feed off each other.

Getting back to the Saturday nights. They are now becoming better with a more mixed crowd. There are beginners right through to 'advanced' :-). More new faces are popping up. Also a lot of you are bringing your friends to just come,eat, drink and chill and have a good time. So it's not an intimidating atmosphere which is only full of salsa dancers jumping up and down doing complicated moves.

Hopefully things will keep progressing in this direction. We still have a long way to go but we're getting there.

Greetings to all the Lagos peeps who came down. Didn't get a chance to dance with the ladies but maybe next time.

Peace..

Monday, February 23, 2009

Your Country Needs You

Ok, well not quite. But salsa needs you Abuja. Actually Abuja also needs salsa. Yes there are more important things to worry about in today's tough times but that's for another time and blog.

Yes, I know I'm a bit biased, but I can't work out why Salsa isn't catching on quicker in our lovely capital. Don't get me wrong, it's growing and there's a lot more going on in the scene than there was a year ago. We now have two great venues to dance at thanks to the hard work and support of the small salsa scene and venues. Nicon Luxury on Thursdays and Aristotle on Saturdays. But that's not enough for me. I want more people to come enjoy what a lot of us are enjoying already. A lovely social event that combines so much and is unique.

A lot of cities globally can't get enough of it. But ABJ seems slow on the uptake. People have told me it's because the Abuja crowd prefers the 'Show' when they go out. People like to look slick, show wealth, mingle with big boys and girls, flash the cash etc etc etc. Which is cool. I know salsa isn't something you become good at overnight. And you more or less have to learn in public which people don't like doing. They think they don't look good when learning which is rubbish. I also know there are many people in Abuja looking for alternative ways to enjoy themselves when they go out.

I don't see why there can't be a mix and I refuse to believe that the ABJ crowd is as one dimensional as it is painted to be. In fact I'm sure it isn't. Anyway, I'm just thinking aloud guys.

Salsa's here to stay in Abuja. We just want it to grow like wildfire.
Don't forget to come down for a weekend dance at this Saturday at Aristotle from 9pm. And for your mid week fix don't forget nicon Luxury on Thursdays. Have a good week at work.

Get on board Abuja

Monday, January 5, 2009

Last Saturday

Happy New Year All!! I hope you are alll well and good. I just wanted to say thanks to those who made the first night of the year one of the best ever. The funny thing is that, we probably had the lowest turnout ever due to the holidays. BUT! All I can say is you guys tore up the dancefloor. Chikena!

Here's hoping for more crazy fun filled nights this year. And of course more people getting into salsa in Abuja.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tis the season

Hi all,

I hope you all had a good Christmas with friends, family, husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, dogs, cats etc etc(you get the idea). I just wanted to wish you all a happy New Year. Seems like Abuja is rapidly developing the status of a real city as more people decide to stay for the end of year holidays. Years ago, this place would have been a ghost town.

Salsa was alive and kicking at the Dome thanks to Dare and I hope to add to that this 1st weekend of the new year with Abuja Spice at Aristotle. They have a few themed nights on for the festive period but I'll speak to them to see if we can have our regular slot this Saturday. Apologies for not holding last week's dance but I had to travel. Family stuff, you know how it is. But it was funny getting calls in my village to see if salsa was on. Nice to see more people getting hooked.

The new videos are about male styling and shines. I find that most guys aren't dancing much. I'm talking about what I see in Abuja and London. I include myself in this by the way. We tend to spin and drag the ladies about and expect them to come up with amazing styling and shines whilst we just chill. We have to stop being lazy guys. Let's step up our game and play with the music too.It's more fun for us and the ladies.



Later people


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

New Times at Aristotle

Hi all,

Just a quick one to let you know the new times for the Saturday salsa club night at Aristotle.
We now start at 8:45pm every Saturday. Dancing goes on to around 11:30 depending how much dancing is going on. The more dancing, people and energy the longer we dance! So you make the night guys...

Check out the new video selection. They are of Mario B. One of my favourite dancers. I just love his attitude.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Salsa, Saturdays, Cedi

Ok well, technically it should read Salsa, Saturday, Aristotle Bar, Cedi Plaza. But that wasn't as catchy for a title.

For now we are trying something out. Saturday will be for only dancing. And on Monday you can learn beginner salsa with improver and intermediate classes being introduced as the need arises. The Monday lessons take place at 8:00 pm after work. So if you want to take part come for around 7:45.

We are also trying to get the timing for the Saturday night right. Currently it starts at 10pm and lasts until around 11:30-12:00. Then there's another session at around 1:00am. However some people have said this starts too late for them so I will look into starting it earlier. Once I confirm that, I'll post up the details.

Monday, November 3, 2008

What a Difference a Day Makes....

Hi all,

First of all, apologies for the lack of updates regarding the salsa night. Let's just say the management at the last venue kept me out of the loop on a few things.

Anyway salsa is still alive and kicking on the weekends. We have found a new home at Aristotle Bar in Ceddi Plaza which is a great venue smack in the middle of the city. The management have shown nothing but goodwill and support so watch this space!

We had our first night last Sunday between 7-11 which was great. But they liked us so much that they might push us to Saturday soon. I'll let you all know how that goes.

Catch you all later. In the meantime check out the new vids.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Some new vids

Hi All,

Just posted some new vids just to show some different flavours of salsa. Slick, subtle styles right through to all out showbiz. From old school to new school. It never ceases to amaze me when I find new examples and takes approaches to the dance.... There's something for everyone.

Later guys, see you on Saturday and have a great weekend.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Ahh don't we love holidays...

I just wanted to congratulate all those who completed a successful Ramadan. I also wanted to wish Nigeria a happy birthday. Don't worry, I'm not going to get all sentimental or political here. That's for another space and time.

Right back to the salsa. Same time same place this week people.Salsa,Roxel Bar,Saturday,7:30. The details of the venue are just to the right in the profile section or in previous posts.

We had a great night last week but as usual I was running around and dancing so much I forgot to take pictures and videos. I hope to this week.

Catch you all this Saturday.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Facebook...It had to be done

Hi all,

First of all, our next salsa night is taking place on Saturday 27th of September. For details on where it is and how to get there just check my previous posts as the time and venue still remain the same.

I also set up a facebook group for those of you who use it. Here is the link http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=32538065670 .The group is called Abuja Spice Salsa. I'm experimenting to see the best way to give news and updates on Abuja Spice and Facebook might be a better option as it's more efficient in getting information out to a lot of people. But don't worry my non facebookers ( I was one of you up till last week). I will still keep the blog updated regularly, especially with videos.

And once again thanks to all of you who braved the rain to come down last week. A few of us danced outside on the balcony in the fresh air after the downpour. It was actually quite refreshing...

Monday, September 15, 2008

Dancing in the Rain....

OK, even I have to admit that the rain last Saturday evening was heavy. In fact heavy is an understatement. Biblical is more appropriate. I was half expecting to see Noah cruising down IBB way in his ark.

So well done to all who braved the storm and came down. Especially to all the ladies who, despite the downpour, looked flavourlicious
...(is that a real word?).We even had some new faces again. You’ll all get a treat next week, promise.


Our next night will be this Saturday the 20th. As usual, everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter if you or your friends can’t dance salsa. So all those friends of yours who keep saying they can't come because they can’t dance salsa have no excuse. We play more than just salsa music on the night.

The most important thing is that you come to enjoy yourself. If you only want to relax and listen to the good music,that's fine too.No where else in Abuja plays the selection of music we do on a Saturday. The whole point of Abuja Spice is to have salsa fusion night where all are made to feel welcome.

Entry is free. Any beginners who want to learn the basic steps of salsa should come then. From around 8:30 you can practice your salsa steps and show the ‘pros’ how it’s done. But even if you come late, I’m sure there will be those who will gladly show you the basic salsa steps to get you going.

The night starts between 7:30-7:45 at the Roxel bar 167 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent in Wuse II. The building is a white building and the bar is actually on the first floor. At night you can identify it by a orange tube lighting on the balcony. It is directly opposite Peniel apartments. It is close to Bodyline gym.It is 10 seconds from the junction of Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent and IBB way. The British Council is 1 minute away by car and the Hilton is about 5 mins away.

All the best guys and see you on Saturday…..

Monday, September 8, 2008

Salsa, Saturday, Abuja...simple

Greetings people. The torrential rain that hit on Saturday didn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves and welcoming some new faces. So well done and thanks to all those who braved the rain to come out to dance.

We had people from the U.S., Chinese and Sudanese communities join us. So my Cubanos where are you? We all know no salsa party is complete with out the Cubans showing us how to do it. So my Cuban brothers and sisters in Abuja we’d love you to come down.

Our next night will be this Saturday the 13th. It will be our 1 month anniversary!! So you know you have to come down and celebrate with us. As usual, everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter if you can’t dance salsa. So all those friends of yours who keep saying they can't come because they can’t dance salsa have no excuse. The most important thing is that you come to enjoy yourself. If you only want to relax and listen to the good music,that's fine too.No where else in Abuja plays the selection of music we do on a Saturday. The whole point of Abuja Spice is to have salsa fusion night where all are made to feel welcome.

Entry is free. Any beginners who want to learn the basic steps of salsa should come then. From around 8:30 you can practice your salsa steps and show the ‘pros’ how it’s done. But even if you come late, I’m sure there will be those who will gladly show you the basic salsa steps to get you going.

The night starts between 7:30-7:45 at the Roxel bar 167 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent in Wuse II. The building is a white building and the bar is actually on the first floor. At night you can identify it by a orange tube lighting on the balcony. It is directly opposite Peniel apartments. It is close to Bodyline gym.It is 10 seconds from the junction of Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent and IBB way. The British Council is 1 minute away by car and the Hilton is about 5 mins away.


All the best guys and see you on Saturday…..

Monday, September 1, 2008

First Sweaty Little Steps......



Hi guys. Apologies for taking so long to stick up a post(The day job keeps getting in the way!). Well we've now had two Saturday's of Abuja Spice. And the night is proving to be little gem. We would like to thank everyone who made it down to both nights. The night would be nothing without you all. Our next night is on Saturday the 6th of September, starting at 7:30pm. at the Roxel Bar.The address is 167 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent in Wuse II. The bar is opposite Peniel Apartments which is about 5-10 mins from the Hilton. It is in the first floor of a white building. You can identify it at night because it's the only building with orange tube lighting on the street.

Remember, this night is not only for hardcore salsa dancers but for all who want to dance, chill, and just have a good time...

Here are some pictures of the first night.




























Monday, August 18, 2008

Abuja Spice Opening Night....












Greetings to the millions of you who have searched in vain for this site...Ok, hi to the two of you who stumbled across this site by accident. Welcome to Abuja Spice.Abuja Spice is a club night designed for those who love to dance and are open minded about their music.

At heart it is a salsa night. 'What if I can't dance salsa?!?' we hear you cry. Relax, we've got you covered. First of all there will be free, that's right FREE beginner salsa lessons starting at 7:30pm for about 30 minutes just to introduce you to the dance. If you want information about where to get proper salsa lessons in Abuja, it will be available on the night.

Besides that, the music will not be strictly salsa all the way. We will have everything from funk, highlife,hip hop, old school, new school through to soukouss as the night goes on! If it's music with heart designed to make you dance, we'll play it.

Our first night will be happening this Saturday the 23rd of August at the Roxel Bar. Thanks to Bode (the Roxel manager) for being brave enough to give the night a try.The address is 167 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent in Wuse II. The bar is opposite Peniel Apartments which is about 5-10 mins from the Hilton. It is in the first floor of a white building. You can identify it at night because it's the only building with orange tube lighting on the street.

The salsa classes will be between 7:30-8:00pm. Proper dancing will start from 8:00pm to around 10-11:00pm before we hand over music selection and the night back to the Roxel.The entire night is FREE so you have no excuse not to come and say hi now do you?

So, that's Abuja Spice in a nutshell. If you want to get sweaty to some good music, come on down.If you want to enjoy yourself at a night with no snobby attitude, come on down. If you have bad breath, come on down....just bring some mints with you or somethin'.