About Nicholas Chielotam Akas

Awka Anambra, Nigeria

Nicholas Chielotam Akas (CBA ’22) is an Associate Professor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria. Akas formed a dance theatre group, Hopes of The Nation, where he uses dance as a tool to mirror social structures in Nigeria. Since 2017, Akas has served as the head choreographer and ambassador of Nigerian Brewery through their cultural development program, HI-LIFE FEST. Akas has received a B.A. and M.A. in Dance from Nnamdi Azikiwe University and a Ph.D. in Dance, Choreography, and Semiotics from Imo State University Owerri and has choreographed over 40 dances.

Let The Dead Rest: A Study of Apams Undertakers in Anambra State Nigeria
At CBA, Akas researched and interrogated the history of Nigerian funeral dance performance, where dead corpses are tossed for entertainment as a symbol of affluence and social status.

Gallery

Nicholas Akas dances with a group. There are 5 people in a row facing the same direction, one after another.

No credit.

Nicholas Akas dances with a group. They are in a space with decorative walls and flooring. Akas is standing in the front. There are 4 people behind him. They are wearing a mix of attire with yellow and black colors.

No credit.

No credit.

Nicholas Akas dances with a group. There are 5 people in a row facing the same direction, one after another.
Nicholas Akas dances with a group. They are in a space with decorative walls and flooring. Akas is standing in the front. There are 4 people behind him. They are wearing a mix of attire with yellow and black colors.