Nani grew up in Ghana among a family with great pride and passion for their rich culture and was inspired by the significance of cultural traditions and their ability to unify diverse people and communities. Godwin K. Agbeli and Victori A. Kudezi-Agbeli immersed their son, Nani, in traditional Ghanaian music and dance from a young age, notably permitting and encouraging his attendance at rehearsals and performances. Nani emerged from those experiences eager to embrace Ghanaian music and dance in his unique and extraordinary way. 

“In the early years of my training, I felt my teachers were being quite tough on me. However, with time, I finally understood the tacit knowledge of our ancestors that my instructors were trying to convey to me—the wisdom as to why they created this style of music/culture the way they did. I learned the importance of not simply completing an action but rather the need to immerse myself in the intricacy of each movement, drum beat, and vocal intonation.

That deeper interaction forced me to reflect on how the information my ancestors embedded into the art form is still relevant to my journeys today. It is essential for whatever we do or face in life to let us focus on and enjoy every step of the journey, as that will make the destination more meaningful. Now before I perform or teach, I always take a moment to reflect on how I can convey as much of this embodied knowledge to my audience so that the journey I take them on leads them to a spectacular destination.”