ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigerian Emeka Adindu says salsa dancing saved his life.
Growing up in a country where the stigma of mental health issues runs deep, Adindu, 35, found solace in popular Latin dancing as he struggled with abuse, depression and suicidal thoughts.
He is now helping others do the same – with free dance lessons in the capital Abuja.
“Salsa was the only thing that could make me smile all those days I was fighting, fighting with my demon,” he says.
A 2021 UNICEF report shows that one in six Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 24 are depressed, anxious or have other mental health problems. Health professionals say the stigma associated with mental health in Nigeria’s culturally conservative society makes matters worse.
Adindu says he was able to overcome his sadness and find joy by attending to salsa, a little-known dance form in this African country.
“It will be my gift to the world, giving love…and expressing happiness.”
During one of Adindu’s sessions, entrepreneur Princess Solomon relaxed as she swayed and tapped her feet to the upbeat music.
“It’s helped me relieve stress…I’ve made new friends and dancing keeps me in shape,” she says.
(Reporting by Abraham Achirga, Vining Ogu and Angela Ukomadu, Writing by Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Devika Syamnath)