Qudus Onikeku

Choreographer
Nigeria

Portrait Qudus Onikeku

In 2025, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels is supporting the Romaeuropa Festival for the presentation of TERRAPOLIS by Qudus Onikeku. 

Qudus Onikeku is an internationally recognized artist, researcher, and innovator, using art to positively impact society. Over the past decade, he has become one of the most versatile artists, working in performance, research, installation, curating, and community organizing. His work explores body movements, kinesthetic memory, and disruptive practices, creating performances that don’t rely on Eurocentric approaches but respect and challenge Yoruba culture and African diaspora dance forms. After studying in France in 2009, he founded YK Projects in Paris, creating critically acclaimed works. In 2014, he returned to Lagos with his partner Haji, and together they co-founded QDance Center, a creative incubator for artistic development and community engagement. His work has been presented in 59 countries, including Venice Biennale, Festival d’Avignon, Romaeuropa, and TED Global.