In this special bonus episode of This Afro Dance Life, host Gladys Edeh sits down with international DJ, event producer, and United Tribes of Africa founder Flygerian Jeff. Born in Oakland to Nigerian parents, Jeff shares his unexpected journey from pre-med student and bartender to one of the Bay Area’s trailblazing Afrobeats DJs.

He opens up about how a spontaneous nickname, a chance to host parties on slow Wednesday nights, and a powerful encounter with Afrobeats music led to a life-changing mission: to create spaces that celebrate African culture through music and dance.

Jeff takes us behind the scenes of No Wahala Wednesdays—a legendary Afrobeats party that energized the Bay’s Afro dance scene—and reflects on how dance became a tool for healing, connection, and cultural expression.

He also speaks on the critical role YouTube played in taking Afrobeats global, the generational shifts in how the genre is experienced, and the ongoing challenge of honoring African roots while navigating Western music industry structures. Throughout, he reminds us that dancers have always been—and continue to be—the heartbeat of the movement.

This is an inspiring conversation rich with music, culture, history, and purpose.