Local dancer named the Vice World Solo Ballroom Dancer and aspiring to greater heights

Self-taught Jumah Mohammed earned his Protea colours before representing South Africa in two World Championships for Latin and Ballroom dancing, where he was crowned Vice World Solo Ballroom Dancer.

“Many have danced ballroom at international competitions, and a few have danced at world championship level. For the past 14 years of my competitive dancing career, I cannot recall any South African finishing in the final round in ballroom dancing, let alone bringing back a medal. Achieving Vice World Champion is a huge moment for Africa and South African Dance, specifically ballroom dancing,” noted Jumah.

He explained he was undefeated in all the local Gauteng and national competitions which allowed him to secure a place in the world championships. He noted he was the only South African to attend two championships in one year.

After opening his own dance studio in 2019, he hopes to ‘nurture the next generation of dancers’. He has coached numerous dancers, from various age groups, who received national titles.

Jumah said, “I have a passion for continuous learning and I appreciate the support of my students and the dance community. Sometimes when I sit and think that I’m the only one to achieve this, it still feels unreal. I’ve done many firsts in South Africa, groundbreaking stuff.”

He hopes to achieve even greater heights this year by winning the title of world champion.

He concluded, “My dancing career is just beginning, and I aim to inspire South Africans to dance at a world-class level.”