"There is an African proverb that until the Lions learn to write, every story will glorify the hunt," Emmanuel Ndefo said. "To mean that we must invest ourselves in the accurate representation of our own narratives and history alongside the global histories. It is this urgency that underpins my desire to challenge stereotypes, myths and the images of myself and my continent (Africa) through research, dance and communal storytelling."

Ndefo's a Nigerian dancer, choreographer, researcher, traveller, performance and textile artist. His $2000 grant will support a photography and dance project profiling young artists from Sabon Gari, Kaduna State.

"I want the world to the potential of Sabon Gari as the commercial capital of Kano,  to shine a light on local initiative and to educate people about community development needs in the town. Part of the work produced will be used as advocacy material to campaign for the establishment of a museum or cultural centre in Sabon Gari."

He added: "This grant will help me solidify my working methodology ( art ethnography) with which I hope to approach the use of art for social studies, advocacy and public enlightenment. I will also be able to share this methodology with young artists.

Youtube: Emmanuel Ndefo
Website: www.emmanuelndefo.com