SWAP UNIT CONDUCTED AN INTERVIEW WITH MR.JERMAIN NICKSON WHO RUNS
KENYA DANCE ACADEMY
FIND OUT WHAT HE HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE DANCE INDUSTRY
1. Official name?
NICKSON
OBAGA.
2. Organization/company/dance crew?
KENYA DANCE
ACADEMY.
3.
Nick
name/ stage name?
JERMAINE
STARBOY
4.
What
inspires you to dance?
I never
choose dance it chose me then I choose it now me and dance are taking this
relationship to the grave. My greatest inspiration that lured me to dance is
the fact that every time I hit the dimly lit dance floor I lost myself .I felt
a sense of worth than no other talent could bring I felt bigger, better
,stronger and from then it has become a desire stronger than death and again
that’s why I am taking it to the grave it is a desire stronger than death!!!I
don’t like saying this story but if it wasn’t for our God lord Jesus using
Dance to pull me out from the street and give me a new passion that didn’t
involve carrying metal in your waist I would be dead…but that’s a story for
another day.
5.
What
does dance mean to you?
If I was to
choose words they would be lacking…but let me try…Dance is divine to me it’s my
purpose. It’s the virgin thought that prompted God to create me…I honor the
giver of this gift so much!!
6.
Give
us a description about your dance history?
I started
dancing at my mother’s womb then when that gentleman decided to spank me but
his efforts were futile poor fellow. I danced from class 1-6 and represented
our school in dance. From class 7 I started getting attracted to modern dance
where I started exploring diverse dance categories. IN high school I broke a
record even my deputy can confirm I wan punished everyday in school because I
was dancing in class…everyday.. I danced in almost all the dance groups
,represented our school in drama and music festival dances. I later joined
Zionists dancers and we got nominated in all the prestigious awards groove
awards,mwafakaawards,talantaawards,xta awards…since then dance has made me tour
Africa though I missed an opportunity to go to sound box studios in Houston I
still believe Gods timing. After that ordeal I got MAD(Make A Difference) so I
started the first national dance academy that will provide everyone an
opportunity to understand dance in high standards of excellence.
7.
Can
dance earn someone a living in Kenya?
Everything
that can add value can pay you just have to ask why??And how??We as African
dancers are still colonized and we need to break free from that prison lets do
Africa ,promote African dance in a modern way be innovative no one will pay
good money for a photocopy lets be true originals. But to get economic
independence we need to attain mental independence understand the market and
the language of money!
8.
Who
is your role model in matters of dance?
Michael Jackson.
He did the odds he did what most cowards cant he took dance to the grave!!!
9.
Do
you dance full time or do you have other hustles?
Yes I have
other hustles I am a consultant/facilitator at the team building company of Kenya,
I am the brand director of aushi event and communications, I am the marketing a
manager of inuka leadership program and finally the C.E.O of Kenya dance
academy.
10.
What
are some of the challenges you face as a dancer?
EVERY DAY I
face the worst enemy in my life my only challenge is to conquer that man in the
mirror to overcome the enemy within.
11.
In
your opinion are Kenyan dancers united?
No they are
not and even when we dancers are united sometimes it is for all the wrong
reasons but it is not entirely our fault as dancers we have been severelywounded.
And left for dead used and abused how can we expect trust from wounded warriors.
But there is hope we only need leaders to rise up and serve as a lighthouse to
help the other dancers navigate through the stormy seas of the dance world.
12.
What
problem does the Kenya Dance Industry face?
UNITY!!!Professionalism
we are too casual in our approach, and we don’t have a dance industry that the
other problem but tunacome real dancers are not going to watch jokers make a
mockery of what some of us hold dearly with our lives.
13.
Mention
several dance events that have greatly supported dance in Kenya?
Definitely
battle of the dance crews…..dance unplugged ……..
14.
If
given a chance to change one thing in the Kenyan dance industry what would you
change?
We cannot
put old wine in new skin the traditional “dance industry” needs to be laid to
rest we need a new industry with new thinking and conduct.
15.
Do
you see yourself as a dancer in eight years’ time?
Dancing 8
years time ….lets meet in heaven ull find me and davidjasho to buda!!!
16.
Is
dance a career like any other or just a hobby?
It has both
options on the table but many take the latter I take the former. DanceIs a gold
mine Kenya dance academy will teach all those who want to get the gold. But
WOOOORRRRRRRRKKKK WE HAVE TO DIG TILL WE FORGET TO EAT …TILL WE FORGET TO
SLEEP!!!!!!!
17.
What
is your opinion concerning dance events in Kenya?
The market
is still raw….i want to thank all the fans that come to support dance events
and the event managers who believe in dance and use the events as a promotional
strategy to market dance.
18.
What
advice would you give to anyone who wants to take up dancing as a serious
profession?
COME TO
KENYA DANCE ACADEMY..WE ANSWER THAT PRACTICALLY. Not these motivational talks
that you forget by the setting of the sun!!I love talks but they don’t go for
long engagements they need immediate marriage to action.
19.
Do
you think the government of Kenya recognizes dancers or supports dance?
Hahahahohhhserikaliserikali…I
stopped joining the masses in singing that old age song…sasa surely if all of
us just wait to feed on the national cake then who will bake it???bake the cake
don’t just consume the national cake!!!!But ukwelini nope it doesn’t coz it
doesn’t see the sense we need to prove our worth.
20. Your last words?
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