‘Perception Magazine’ honors The Legacy of Step Afrika!

The Legacy of Step Afrika!: A Story of Unity and Expression

Written by Michael Cox, Published February 28, 2024

Step Afrika!, a renowned African-American dance company founded by C. Brian Williams, has a rich history deeply rooted in the traditions of stepping. The journey of Step Afrika! dates back to 1994 when C. Brian’s vision to merge stepping with African culture first took shape. Born out of the desire to bridge the gap between African-Americans and the continent of Africa, Step Afrika! quickly evolved into a powerhouse of cultural exchange and artistic expression. As a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated it was something that resonated with him culturally and spiritually.

“I became immediately fascinated by the art form of stepping. It just intrigued me,” Williams explained.

The origins of Step Afrika! can be traced back to C. Brian’s experiences in Southern Africa, where he encountered the South African gumboot dance and saw parallels with stepping. C. Brian said, “It really struck me when I saw this little boy on the side of the road doing this dance.” This moment of connection sparked something for C. Brian. While teaching in South Africa during this time he used this as an opportunity for cultural exchanges between him and the students. He would show them some of his step movements and they would in return share movements in their dance style.”It energized our relationship. We felt more connected. They felt more connected to me as an African American and what that culture might mean. It was something they knew very little of,” Williams shared.

PHOTO CREDIT: KEITH MAJOR

“That’s why I came up with the name Step Afrika!. I wanted to take stepping to Africa so we could link the two,” Williams stated.

Through collaborations with artists and cultural organizations, Step Afrika! grew into a global platform for storytelling and celebration of African-American heritage with a deep appreciation for its African roots.

“When you research where stepping came from a lot of people will say that it came from Africa. But when we did our research we actually found that stepping is an American art form quite like tap or jazz,” Akpan stated. Mfoniso Akpan serves as the Artistic Director for the organization and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. During the interview she shared how stepping can be traced back to the Stono Rebellion in 1739 in South Carolina. Mfoniso said, “during the rebellion they used drums to galvanize the people to get towards freedom.” From this rich tapestry of history you see present day how Step Afrika! is using the same means to galvanize people to understand and connect with the history, culture and people of African descent.

“Step Afrika! has been doing the work for the last thirty years to preserve this art form and explore the historical significance of how stepping came to evolve,” Akpan explained.

One of the defining features of Step Afrika! is its emphasis on collective strength and unity. The company comprises talented individuals from diverse backgrounds who come together to tell stories through dance. “We get some of our core steppers from the college arena. These individuals are majoring in areas such as information technology, political science, sociology and a variety of other majors,” Akpan stated. The power of the collective is evident in their performances, which blend multimedia elements, scientific concepts, and innovative storytelling techniques to create a unique and immersive experience for audiences worldwide.

“It’s very distinct and unique. I think that’s why we have been able to do this work all over the world. We represent a tradition that is specific to our country that no one else can do. So I can say easily that when you see stepping from Step Afrika! you are seeing the best artists in this tradition in the entire world,” Williams expressed.

PHOTO CREDIT: KEITH MAJOR

As Step Afrika! continues to evolve and push the boundaries of artistic expression, its core mission remains focused on promoting cultural unity and understanding. C.Brian stated, “when you see stepping from Step Afrika! you are seeing stepping at its highest level. And we are always trying to push how we can go further with this art form.” Through their performances and educational initiatives, Step Afrika! strives to preserve the rich history of stepping while also exploring new avenues for creative storytelling. The legacy of Step Afrika! lies in its ability to transcend borders and connect people through the universal language of dance.

“We’ve come a long way from stepping on the yard,” Williams expressed.

Looking towards the future, C. Brian Williams envisions Step Afrika! as a beacon of unity and cultural exchange, where stories are told, traditions are preserved, and connections are forged. The company’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity ensures that stepping remains a vibrant and relevant art form that continues to inspire and unite audiences across the globe. Step Afrika!’s legacy is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and create meaningful connections between people from diverse backgrounds.