Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyd Rock.
Lyd, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I wanted to be a lot of things: lawyer, psychologist and all things entertainment; dancer, model, fashion designer, actress, etc. I essentially wanted to be a famous entrepreneur before I knew what it was. A ‘celebrity.’ Look good, go to amazing events, and make an impact by helping people, whether to be heard, feel confident or elevate to the next level. Formal dancing for me began in church, where I could express myself emotionally. It continued in middle school and high school with the step team. I became the step captain, which gave me structure and the ability to work as a leader. When I went to college at the University of Houston, I got introduced to Afro dance styles as part of the Nigerian Student Association (NSA), which added dimension and a sense of freedom. Being the Dance Coordinator of the NSA dance team made me grow even more as a leader.
After graduating, I used my degree for less than a year before pursuing a passion in dance and becoming one of the leading forces of the Afrobeats dance movement and style in the United States. In 2016, I created Afrirock (Afrobeats-based dance classes), teaching choreographed routines to afrobeats music and using afrobeat moves to hip hop songs. At the time in Houston, this was rare and many people were confused. They kept boxing me into the fitness category.
In 2018, my ‘Anyhow’ dance video went viral and currently has over 7.3 million views and an unending stream of reposts, which gained me more influence and gave me the opportunity to travel and teach across the US, and host the SXSW “Africa to the World Stage.” Through Afrobeats, I have had the opportunity to perform on stages such as Coachella, be in music and dance videos, various festivals, tour with Afrobeats and other recording artists, and gaining a residency in Oakland, California as the Dance Coordinator of a dance & musical theater production in the Bakanal de Afrique Festival.
My love for fashion and style dates back to 90s sitcoms: Lisa in Fresh Prince, Fancy in The Jamie Foxx Show, runway and street style from various Fashion Weeks. Inspired by these, I created my first revamp skirt in 7th grade using jeans from my older sister and made new paper dresses for projects in high school. I discovered the “art” of thrifting in my freshman year of college at the University of Houston. I always wanted to easily transition between street urban and classy chic with a twist of Black and African culture. I styled my first fashion show as an intern at Exchange to Change (a resale shop) with college football apparel from my closet. My creative journey also continued as I styled and designed costumes for various Nigeria cultural dance performances in college.
My obsession for thrifting turned into the “ROCKthrift’ project, which includes a series of videos giving viewers a first-hand look at my process of thrifting and giving tips and insight on how to choose items and style. In Jan 2020, I hosted my first “Lyd’s Closet” Sip and Shop, bringing the thrifting experience directly to my fan base. Currently, with @rockstylesnow, I am a purveyor of custom made performance wear, and select vintage and thrift find and creative directing different projects.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Transitioning into being a full-time Entrepreneur is not a smooth road. You’re betting it all on yourself. The entertainment industry is based on your drive, work ethic and the luck of finding and getting opportunities, which many times are not financially beneficial. In my case, being a jack of many trades pulls my attention/focus in many directions. As a choreographer, the dance takes up most of my energy and time, teaching classes, tours and building AfriRock, getting people to understand the vision beyond social media. It shifts my focus off fashion. I am learning to actively search for opportunities that allow me to showcase all my talents instead of my usual ‘if it happens’ mindset.
I am also working on learning business skills, creating a business plan, marketing, retail & merchandising and how to retain clients. These are all challenges that I am looking forward to embarking on. I am grateful for the support thus far and excited to elevate from here.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Afrirock is the brand dedicated to hosting Afrobeats dance classes, private lessons, and providing other instructors a platform to teach classes. The goal is to cultivate and present pan Afro culture in Houston through local and international dance creatives and choreographer.
Rock styles is the umbrella for fashion & style: it houses “Lyd’s Closet,” a retail outfit for vintage finds and unique pieces from my closet; My persona in collaborations brands as an Influencer; styling consultation; and my creative direction work for music videos, performances and personal projects. What sets me apart is my ability to see the bigger picture through movement and visual aesthetics, allowing for dynamic and multifaceted outcomes.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The Afrobeats industry has grown tremendously in the last few years. More and more artists from other parts of the world are collaborating with continental African artists, and more dancers and people, in general, are becoming familiar with the sounds and cultures. Social media is aiding the spread, with major dancers like myself taking hold and paving our own way through creative visuals.
This means that now, and for the foreseeable future, Afrobeats is influencing the culture heavily. Beyonce’s “Black is King,” and the beauty of allowing real Afrobeats dancers to showcase talent has opened some more pathways for this to continue. For fashion, the biggest shift is the continual growth and acknowledgment of supporting emerging entrepreneurs and Black-Owned businesses. I am grateful to fit both criteria! and excited to help shift and influence the culture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lydrock.com/
- Phone: 6822214711
- Email: booking@lydrock.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstylesnow/ https://www.instagram.com/afrirock/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rockstyles-103436448077845
Image Credit:
@shotbytony_
@emaginenation
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