Today we’d like to introduce you to Osaze Niamke
Hi Osaze, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started the craft of Memphis Jookin when I was 14, quickly dominated the street dance (jookin) scene in Memphis and became ‘King of Memphis’ at 21 years old.
after several commercial ventures(Nike, adidas, stars, redbull, caffeine TV, Memphis Jookin tour) ..
I noticed how crucial it is that there be an Indigenous infrastructure created to strengthen youth through jookin; providing nation wide communities a platform to showcase memphisjookin at an industry level
I noticed that importance of this when I realized major companies (instagram, Nike, redbull, world of dance) us our best cultural dancers(jookers) to sell their product , while having no way to enrich the product of Memphis Jookin itself
I started the NJL in 2022
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A major challenge I faced is Memphis Jookin not having an easily identifiable style of music. This leads to a difficultly in creating a market for jookers.
This challenge is being overcame by the National Jookin League exclusively using songs that is associated with the origin of Memphis Jookin
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started the craft of Memphis Jookin when I was 14, quickly dominated the street dance (jookin) scene in Memphis and became ‘King of Memphis’ at 21 years old.
after several commercial ventures(Nike, adidas, stars, redbull, caffeine TV, Memphis Jookin tour) ..
Becoming the youngest ever to win the King of Memphis Jookin titile is my most cherished accomplishment – directing an adidas Memphis Jookin commercial is my biggest accomplishment.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In 5-10 years the National Jookin League will have displayed a fully functioning industry for Jookin.
Some NJL youth team members will have became NJL All stars and coaches, able to be booked as professional jookers
Their career will have been covered by the USDH KABF 88.3 radio station out of Little Rock Arkansas
Also, an influx of young ladies will start to flood the NJL ranks , as the majorette scene is currently merging into the street dance scene in the midsouth
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nationaljookinleague.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationaljookinleague?igsh=ejN4bnl4ZzdxcmRr&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NJLjookin?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nationaljookinleague?si=DyFFSSexUBkPVdEL
