Popular Nigerian dancer, choreographer, and fitness coach, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau-Ameh, widely recognized as Kaffy, has opened up in an emotional revelation about her family’s heartbreaking fall from wealth to poverty, sharing deep details of her upbringing and struggles.
The renowned 45-year-old entertainer, who is celebrated for breaking boundaries in dance and choreography across Africa, recounted her childhood experience during a candid conversation on the Honest Bunch Podcast. Kaffy explained that she was born into affluence, only to later endure unimaginable hardship after her family lost everything they once owned.
According to her, her parents, Alhaji Shafau and Alhaja Alake Lakonko, were once counted among the wealthiest socialites in Lagos, moving in elite circles alongside the late billionaire politician MKO Abiola. Kaffy vividly recalled how their home was a hub for Nigeria’s legendary musicians, hosting weekly appearances by icons like King Sunny Ade, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, and Ebenezer Obey, who would often sing their praises.
“My parents were in the league of MKO Abiola. They were the first people to spray dollars at parties. Every weekend, Sunny Ade and Barrister would come to our house. These were the people in our circle,” she narrated proudly before reflecting on the painful turn of events.
However, things spiraled downhill when her family’s fortune collapsed, leaving them destitute. Her father relocated to London, where, despite his former high status, he had to survive by working as a cleaner. This shocking reversal of fortune affected the family’s livelihood and forced Kaffy and her siblings into extreme hardship.
Sharing her personal ordeal, Kaffy revealed the severe hunger and poverty they endured: “There were times when there was no food for weeks and months. Hunger is a mentor. I drank garri for seven months without break, and there was no Kwashiorkor.” Her words painted a vivid picture of resilience amidst suffering.
Kaffy also disclosed that the situation deeply traumatized her mother, who sometimes suffered psychotic breakdowns as she grappled with their misfortune. According to Kaffy, her mother would project frustrations onto her children, at times gathering them in the middle of the house during episodes and telling them that their destinies were responsible for her struggles.
“She would have psychotic breaks and put all of us in the centre of the house, saying, ‘You are the reason why… your destiny should start providing for me because you’re the reason I am not anywhere in my life,’” Kaffy recalled emotionally.
Despite the devastating challenges of her upbringing, Kaffy has risen to become one of Nigeria’s most successful dancers, breaking a Guinness World Record, choreographing for top artists, and mentoring a new generation of dancers. Her story stands as a testimony of perseverance, resilience, and the will to transform pain into purpose.
The dance icon’s revelations have struck a chord with many fans and viewers, offering inspiration to those facing similar struggles and reinforcing her legacy as not just an artist but a role model who overcame adversity to build an illustrious career in the entertainment industry.
Watch her full emotional story in the video below …