Bakani Pick-Up was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and moved to the UK in 2005. Their dance journey began in Zimbabwe, they were fortunate to attend schools that nurtured their passion for movement. After completing their A Levels, Bakani trained in Choreography at Falmouth University and Trinity Laban. Since graduating, they have worked with artists including Grace Wales Bonner, Anthea Hamilton, Theo Clinkard and Fevered Sleep. Alongside their movement practice, Bakani has worked as a Choreographer, Writer, Lecturer, Researcher and Programmer. Since 2018, Bakani has been freelancing as a Performer and Teacher, expanding their expertise in pedagogy, creative well-being, leadership, governance, and interdisciplinary arts. Their work has been presented at The Place (London), Vienna Secession (Austria), and on BBC Four.

In 2018, they founded Bakani Pick-Up Company, a choreographic performance company exploring ‘ways of being.’ Their work has been supported by The Place, Goethe Institute, British Council (Spain), Yorkshire Dance, FABRIC, Arts Council England and Dans Atelier (NED). Bakani currently hold roles as an Associate Trustee at Yorkshire Dance and a Trustee at Chisenhale Dance Space.