Kemi Asani is currently leading the movement of the Diaspora known as Afrobeat Fit. Afrobeat Fit has been in operation since 2016 and is a high-intensity cardio workout where music and movement derive from the late and great artists and influencers of Africa. Afrobeat Fit “Sweat Sessions” are always inclusive to all and rooted in love!
Since 2016, Afrobeat Fit has hosted over 500 small and large-scale experiences centered around dance, cultural access, and holistic wellness in various metro cities in the United States and Panama! With their most notable clients being the United States Coast Guard Academy, P&G Gillette Headquarters, Boston Chamber of Commerce, Harvard University, Black Health Matters Conference, and Qualcomm, to name a few.
In the midst of COVID 19, Afrobeat Fit shifted their fitness centered programs, to that which incorporated access to both fitness and holistic wellness. The most innovative of events being Sweat Weekend. Sweat Weekend was a full-day virtual fitness conference that happened on National Fitness Day (May 2, 2020) where funds were raised for fitness professionals in need in the midst of COVID – 19. Close to 1K was raised, with 490 attendants from 27 countries across the globe. Other curated programs include the Booty Burn and Rise & Stretch segments which can be found free of charge on Instagram Live.
Currently, Afrobeat Fit is still bringing the sweat virtually and fostering happiness, healing, and good vibes to various types of organizations which include corporations, community-based organizations, and colleges. In her free time, Kemi enjoys filling up her cup first, spending time with her family/soul tribe, dancing, and helping people unlock their inner power through Purpose Coaching.
A few of Kemi’s greatest achievements include Women’s History Month Honoree from Forbes the Culture, Reimagining Education Honoree from #WFH, Fearless Mogul 19’ from Arian Simone of Fearless Mogul Magazine, and 2018 Text Connext Fellow courtesy of Black Enterprise!
Tell us about who you are and what you do.
I am the child of immigrant parents and a product of the Public School System. I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My first business started in 1st grade. I started selling stickers that my mom bought wholesale for .25 cents. I am currently the owner of Afrobeat Fit as well as a choreographer and a Sweat Coach. In my spare time, I help folks connect to movement or their inner power through Purpose Coaching.
Tell us how you created this brand and what was the sole idea behind it.
There was a time, I was not dancing as much as I normally would and was in an unhealthy rut. I was also prediabetic and had to make some changes. Afrobeat Fit had been an idea scribbled on a piece of notebook paper when I lived in Atlanta (working as an industry dancer. I took the initiative to finally bring the idea to life. I wanted to curate a fun dance fitness environment that was inclusive to all and culturally engaging.
Go in detail and tell us about how your brand works.
Afrobeat Fit hosts events where music and movement derive from Africa. We host events weekly that are virtual. We also host events! We have hosted over 500 Sweat Sessions across the globe.
What is your giveaway idea through this interview? Highlight something that may interest the readers on a one to one basis.
Fill up your cup first! You are the adhesive that holds everything together, if you aren’t operating close to 100% nothing else will. Grind culture is not sustainable. Work hard but always factor in points to rest and unplug. Lastly, only spend time with folks that make you feel like sunlight.
Explain the challenges you went through while you were working on brand creation. What are the challenges you go through on an everyday basis?
As an entrepreneur, every day can feel like a challenge as you navigate uncharted territory. Sometimes, it feels easier to just segway back into the workforce. Then I remember my “why” and keep moving!
How do you manage your finances through the services you offer. Any fundings etc received?
Afrobeat Fit has been financially self-sustained since its inception. In the midst of COVID, all program rates were diminished or dropped down to free in order to meet the needs of unemployed folks and to provide accessible and inclusive Afro dance fitness, dance fitness, and wellness classes. Afrobeat Fit was also fortunate to receive some COVID relief grants which aided in the continuation of services in 2021.
Tell us your future vision about the brand. How far do you want to take it? What is your dream about taking it to the next level?
In the next few years, Afrobeat Fit will be an accessible dance fitness class that anyone and everyone can take at any point in time. There will be Sweat Coaches across the globe teaching, dancing and sweat to afro tunes!
What message would you like to give to anybody who has a plan of creating something of their own and making a living through it?
The road of entrepreneurship is a journey, rather than a destination. Some days will be fruitful, while others may bear no fruit. Remember that no one owes you anything, but you do owe it to yourself to pour your everything into your venture. Your purpose is your power – keep going!
For more information visit: www.afrobeatfit.com