Fighting Mental Health Stigma: Nigerian Salsa Teacher Dances the Blues Away
Emeka Adindu of Nigeria claims that salsa saved his life. Adindu, 35, found comfort in the well-liked Latin dance as he struggled with abuse, despair, and suicide thoughts. Adindu grew up in a nation where there is a pervasive stigma regarding mental health concerns. With free dancing lessons in the nation’s capital, Abuja, he now assists others in doing the same.
“Salsa was the only thing that could make me smile all those days that I was battling, fighting with my demon,” he claims.
One in six Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 24 who are sad, worried, or have other mental health concerns, according to a UNICEF study from 2021. According to medical experts, the stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria’s culturally traditional culture only makes things worse.
Adindu claims that by keeping himself active with salsa, a little-known dance style in the African nation, he was able to get over his melancholy and discover pleasure.
This will be my gift to the world, through which I will spread love and joy.
Entrepreneur Princess Solomon relaxed during one of Adindu’s sessions by swinging and tapping her feet to the upbeat music.
It has assisted me in reducing stress… I’ve met new people, and dancing keeps me in shape,” she claims.
