The Global Citizen Festival was the biggest highlight for dancer Limpopo Boy’s career and he gives all gratitude to Sho Madjozi for giving him such an opportunity to be part of an event that was graced by the likes of Beyoncé and Jay-Z Carter.
“I was inspired by everyone in my village who attempted to be the greatest asset South Africa has ever seen but failed, I was inspired by their shortfalls and mistakes and I promised myself that I am going to be even bigger.”
In 2018, the Global Citizen Festival brought together its largest contingency of heads of state, the world’s most talented artists and influencers and thousands of global citizens to celebrate the centenary of the late former South African president, Nelson Mandela.
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GROWING UP IN A SMALL VILLAGE
Limpopo Boy, real name Mahlatse Robert Matome Thoka was born and raised in Limpopo, from a small village called Botlokwa.
Speaking to MGOSI.co.za, Limpopo Boy says growing up in a small village he didn’t allow that to be an excuse that will block his success.
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“I grew up just like any other child in rural South Africa it was not long after our country South Africa had held its first democratic elections. I was a good football player and an athlete, we used to head cattle and I would play in the jungle with other boys. I was very naughty as a child and I think that is where I discovered my Art,” says Limpopo Boy.
REALIZATION OF HIS GIFT
He says he started dancing professionally in 2012 when he moved to Pretoria.
“A lot of people realized my gift and talent at the South African State theatre and I later graced a lot of great platforms including The SAMAs and the Mtv base Awards. I’m a bujwa dancer thus my stage name is derived from my dancing category and my origins (province). My dancing skill is not based on bujwa only, I add more moves to spice up the jive. I started dancing at a very tender age, but before embracing this talent I started playing football, unfortunately, it wasn’t my calling,” he says.
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DANCE COMPETITIONS
While at Tidima High School he used to dance for small competitions in Botlokwa Plaza and, the response from the audience kept him going.
“These small dancing competitions raised a warrior that is now recognized by Africa. My moves are pure and entertaining hence I appeared in most of the South African music videos,” he shares.
He says that he rehearses every day but to him, it doesn’t feel like it is dancing – it’s a lifestyle.
INSPIRATION
“I was inspired by everyone in my village who attempted to be the greatest asset South Africa has ever seen but failed, I was inspired by their shortfalls and I promised myself that I am going to be even bigger,” he says.
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FAME and DANCING
He says dancing is something that he was born with, it didn’t happen by accident, alluding to the fact that it is the only thing that really makes him happy.
“As a matter of fact, I wanted to be great, not famous but the consequences of being great came with fame. The difficult part is trying to convince parents that dancing can be a career that can keep the lights on and put bread on the table,” he shares.
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INJURY MEANS NO INCOME
Humble to the eye, Limpopo Boy tells MGOSI.co.za that the biggest struggle as a dancer is when you get injured.
“When you’re injured you don’t work and if you’re not working that means you don’t have any money coming in,” he says.
His resume includes working with the likes of DJ Cleo, Dr. Malinga, King Monada, Matorokisi hitmaker Makhadzi to name just a few.
He’s planning to visit all the nine provinces, including the SADC region but his challenge is that he doesn’t have funds to pursue these plans.
“I have a dream of building the biggest dance academy that Africa has ever seen,” he concludes.
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10 things you don’t know about Limpopo Boy:
- He’s a good cook,
- He loves football,
- He’s a philanthropist,
- He has his own company – Limpopo Boy Entertainment,
- Studied Management Assistance,
- He loves God,
- He loves TV games,
- He’s an introvert,
- He loves traveling,
- He’s a father to a 1-year and 2-months, Bohlale.
On Social Media:
Instagram – Limpopo_Boy
Facebook – Limpopo Boy-Bujwa
Twitter – @Mahlatsbujwa
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