13 Nov 2016

While many youth are scrambling for jobs, 27-year-old Bokamoso Kgomo is tapping into his dancing talent to earn a living.
Kgomo, who is also known as Shilolo in the entertainment circles, said he has always known that he was talented, but never made anything out of it because he was raised to believe that talent could not butter one's bread.
He however narrates how, from time to time, he would take part in different dance competitions without his family's knowledge just to showcase his skills dance moves and sharpen his skills.
“Sometimes when you believe in something you have to do everything to make sure you nurture it. That is exactly what I did because I believe that had I not taken those risks I wouldn't be here today with my dancing skills,” he explained.
The Palapye -born, who dances hip hop, break dance, kwaito, ballet and contemporary dances explained that as much as education is important in one's life, talent should not be pushed aside.
In his opinion, everyone can make a living out of their talent regardless of how uncommon the talent is.
The versatile dancer said that he could not wait around with his National Craft Certificate in Construction for a job to come around, hence he took the decision to start dancing for money.
He explained that though it was difficult at the beginning to have a reasonable pay for his dancing, he kept on pushing until he was able to earn what he deserved.
Shilolo said although he has participated in major competitions such as My African Dream, Street Jive and Chibuku Road to Fame, nothing beats the thrill of being chosen to be part of the dancers for the opening and closing ceremony of the country's golden jubilee in September.
He explained that the opportunity was a highlight of his life because he got the chance to work with one of the best choreographers from Southern Africa.
He said that he was also able to network and better his dance skills. Shilolo further praised BOT50 event for refreshing his mind.
“The experience was a life changing one, I met different dancers with different dancing styles and even got motivated to do something better,” he said.
Shilolo mentioned that even though the likes of him have been accorded the opportunity to earn a living through talent, there is still more that can be improved in the arts industry.  He added that arts can help diversify the country's economy, but need support from local private companies and the nation at large. Ends