I am developing BALLEBATA, an experimental Nigeria–Nordic artistic research and co-creation project exploring Yoruba Bata dance, rhythm, and embodied cultural knowledge through dialogue with contemporary and Nordic movement practices.
BALLEBATA begins with Yoruba Bata dance and its rhythmic language—the relationship between the drummer, dancer, movement, communication, space, memory, and identity. The aim is not simply to combine different dance styles, but to explore how traditional knowledge can generate new movement possibilities while maintaining respect for the cultural roots and meaning of Bata.
The research will bring together artists, dancers, choreographers, cultural practitioners, and researchers from Nigeria and the Nordic region. Through workshops, movement experimentation, artistic exchange, documentation, and collaborative research, we will investigate how different movement traditions can meet and influence one another.
I am particularly interested in developing BALLEBATA within an international residency environment where artistic research, experimentation, cultural exchange, and collaboration can take place. Old Mine Residency represents a potential space for continuing this research and developing connections between Nigerian cultural heritage and Nordic artistic practice.
The project is currently in its development and funding stage. I am seeking meaningful artistic and institutional connections with practitioners who are interested in movement research, cultural heritage, contemporary dance, and cross-cultural artistic collaboration.
I would be happy to connect and discuss how BALLEBATA might relate to the residency and its artistic community.
Abimbola
Founder, OODUAA AFRICA IMAGE
BALLEBATA – Nigeria–Nordic Artistic Research & Co-Creation Project
Nimesi | Name: Abimbola
Kerro itsestäsi | About the Author: My name is Abimbola, a Nigerian cultural heritage enthusiast, performing artist, creative producer, and founder of OODUAA AFRICA IMAGE. My artistic practice is rooted in Yoruba cultural heritage, traditional dance, rhythm, movement, and storytelling. I have experience as a performing artist and creative producer, working across traditional and contemporary movement practices, artistic direction, choreography, workshops, and cultural projects. My work explores how cultural knowledge can be preserved, researched, shared, and developed through contemporary artistic practice. I am currently developing BALLEBATA, a Nigeria–Nordic artistic research and co-creation project exploring Yoruba Bata dance, rhythm, embodied knowledge, and contemporary movement. Through this project, I am interested in creating dialogue between Nigerian traditional practices and Nordic and contemporary artistic approaches. I am particularly interested in artistic research, cultural exchange, movement experimentation, and collaboration, and I hope to develop new approaches to cultural heritage while remaining connected to its original roots. I am currently building international partnerships and seeking opportunities to develop this research through residencies, workshops, and collaborative artistic environments.