'I'm paying tribute to my African roots' says Strictly's Johannes Radebe

Virgin Radio

27 Feb 2022, 14:31

Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe visited The Graham Norton Radio Show with Waitrose this morning (Sunday 27th February) to discuss his upcoming tour, and how it will 'pay tribute' to his African roots.

Appearing on the show, South African born Johannes - Runner-Up in Season 19 of the hit BBC One Saturday night staple - spoke of his education in traditional African dance.

"We learn them in school," he said. "There is a recreation hall where we all gather and go for gold. We come together and perform as communities and townships. So it's a whole thing. There's a culture of it."

Keen to know more, Graham asked Johannes whether these traditional dances include solos.

"That is encouraged," he said. "As is uniqueness and interpretation of music, because what we do is we sing and we give you the beat that you deserve. That's the beauty of it. It's all interpreted differently, and you do what comes to you at the time. African Zulu dancing is wild, and joyous. And it's a celebration. I think people are going to be blown away by it when they see it."

Johannes, who is fluent in six languages, including Zulu and English, heads out on tour next month, starting in Bridlington Spa on Wednesday March 16th.

Entitled Freedom, the show is described as 'a celebration of the dances that you love, with Johannes’ signature flair and energy. From elegant Ballroom to fiery Latin, a company of exciting dancers will perform to classic dance arrangements, scorching South African rhythms and huge party anthems'.

Though Johannes will go into the history books for performing the show's first same sex dance - alongside Great British Bake Off winner John Thwaite - ultimately Season 19 of Strictly was won by EastEnders' Rose Ayling-Ellis and her partner Giovanni Pernice. Johannes says he's not bitter.

"No! Because if we could vote, we would probably vote for Rose as well! Every time she was on the floor I was blown away. That woman just came out there and gave it her best every time."

Ultimately, Johannes hopes to take Freedom back home to South Africa. "My family has seen my shake my tush around the globe," he says. "I'd love for them to see me do it at home!"

"I want to take this show to kids," he continues. "The culture is dying. I'm determined to help keep it alive."

Tickets and information about Johannes' tour Freedom can be found here.

Listen to The Graham Norton Radio Show every Saturday AND Sunday from 9:30 am on Virgin Radio or catch up on-demand here.