Up-close with Paul Modjadji, Resident Judge at Kellogg’s Dance Africa Dance

The South African celebrated dancer, choreographer and chair-spinning resident judge on the famed reality television series, Kellogg’s Dance Africa Dance, Paul Modjadji tells Yinka Olatunbosun the story behind the show that merges African and Bollywood cultures on screen

The internationally acclaimed dancer-choreographer, Paul Modjadji shares the judges’ bench with Former Miss India (Worldwide) Krsna-Priya Dasa as resident judges at the hit dance show. Occasionally, guest judges are featured-some of whom include Big Brother Naija’s former housemate and finalist, Omatshola Oburoh, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Model and Actor Joe Kazadia and Zimbabwe’s media personality Chinyani amongst others.

On the heels of a successful outing in Singapore, Zee World brought the show to Africa. 10 out of 52 African countries were selected to battle it out every week for the chance to be crowned Kellogg’s Dance Africa Dance Champions. Following its premiere on September 18 2021, the show proved to be both entertaining and educative. The positive vibe on the show is unparalleled- with judges cheering on even the underperforming dance teams. With the grand finale slated for this weekend, THISDAY sought out Paul Modjadji far away in New York using an electronic format. After missing each other calls on several occasions, the conversation that later ensued was very animated, crisscrossing dance and other socio-economic issues. After comparing notes, it was agreed that Africa is still a fertile ground for creatives.

For Modjadji, it was more important for him to be a cheerleader and less of a judge on the show. This contemporary world is very judgmental with many billions of active social media users expressing strong opinions. For an accomplished dancer, Modjadji understands the role of youth development in global discourse. Being the first African dancer to win the Dance Star World Masters Champion title, in the jazz category (2011), he bears the burden of responsibility in grooming future leaders. In 2012, he received the South African Youth Award for Arts and Entertainment category (2012) and later the Global Young Leaders Award from the Global Youth Leadership Congress in Washington DC. Paul also scored top adult dancer accolades at the 2013 Talent America Showcase, in the USA.

Modjadji revealed that his first visit to Nigeria was for the Africa Movie Academy Awards nomination of Africa’s first made for cinema dance film, ‘Hear Me Move,’ for which he choreographed. His second visit was for the filming of the ‘Breaking Down Borders Africa Documentary series’ for which he visited Nigeria with a film crew to learn more about Nigerian youths and the rich culture.

Modjadji sees Kellogg’s Dance Africa Dance as a kaleidoscope of Africa’s rich dance and youth culture fusing African dance genres with elements of Bollywood spectacle. Bollywood films are famous for their rich choreography and costumes. For him, the whole point of the show is to celebrate diversity while embracing cultural parallels.

“I had to consider what it would mean to champion a TV show that brings together Africa and India,’’ he began. It became an opportunity to think about how to continue to take ownership of the narrative we are shaping up on the global stage about Africa. The way in which Kellogg’s’ Dance Africa Dance was birthed was with the goal to do two things, celebrate and elevate. From the judges to our brilliant resident coaches, it is about elevating dance crews to even bigger heights. Whilst constructive criticism is necessary one doesn’t have to berate to build anyone up, the opposite does that far more effectively.”

The show is arguably the only show to broadcast to over 100 markets in real time with very high ratings. Many fans are already anticipating the second season of the show. This continent-wide television reality show is quite fierce but instead of brewing rivalry, it has bred love and understanding among dancers from different cultures.

“There was a sense of camaraderie and support for each other. I guess at the end of the day platforms like Kellogg’s’ Dance Africa Dance are not just about competition but they are about sharing and celebrating our dance talents. Each dance crew that made the Kellogg’s Dance Africa Dance Season 1 top 10 brought unique flavor and strengths to the show, This I believe allowed the crews to have a certain level of appreciation for each other’s styles versus a competitive approach as they each brought such different elements to the table,’’ he observed.

Aside being a resident judge, Modjadji is an amiable entrepreneur. He runs the dance company Imvula Pula Dance Entertainment where he directs, choreographs and produces content for films, television, theater, and other platforms.

“I am also a founder of a Non-for-profit ‘Leaders Who Dare To Dream Foundation’ that runs multiple community engagement initiatives. I serve on multiple advisory boards. I’m currently serving my annual tenure as an Atlantic Fellow with the Global Brain Health Institute. So I am pretty busy, fortunately, most of my work ties to dance and social development and entrepreneurship. “

When asked what the five habits of a good dancer are, he responded saying “Discipline, passion, technique, commitment and their ability to tap into the moment and revel in it,’’ he replied, leaving this writer with the task of finding one word that captures the last point on the list.