He arrives home, touching down at O.R. Tambo airport. Cheering, jubilation, and singing echo across the airport terminals as he walks through the crowd holding the South African flag. Amputee dancer Musa Motha is happy to be home and was recently welcomed by government officials, fans, family, and friends after taking part in Britain's Got Talent.
SCOOPING AWARDS
After receiving the golden buzzer, which is an international stamp of approval for his hard work, Musa was also handed the Emerging Artist Award at the 2023 National Dance Awards at The Coronet Theatre in Notting Hill Gate, London. He also received the Times Breakthrough Award at The South Bank Sky Arts Awards in London. "I really still can't believe that this is happening. I just wanted to get out there and do my best and show the world that nothing is impossible," he said during the press conference. "The story of going to the BGT is that I have been wanting to go for some time. When I got that side, a friend said I should try it out. The reaction I got was really different. What happened in the theatre was crazy," he adds. Musa recalls how moments before the audition a lot had happened, as he was on tour for other dance projects. "On the day of my audition was the one day I had from coming out from hectic performances and tours. I had to go on a two-hour train. I was tired. Halfway I forgot that I didn't bring my dance shoes and top. I was frustrated before." Musa says during his first performance he even had an injury on his shoulder. "I am still trying to digest everything. It's so big, bigger than I thought. All of this was to make my parents, siblings, and my country proud."
THE COMPETITION
Musa told the judges he practised for the moment for as long as he can remember. As he took to the stage, the judges wept in disbelief. The audience cheered uncontrollably with applause and he received a standing ovation. He is the first South African to receive such a response from the audience and judges who called him a true hero and an inspiration. "That was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen on the show. Never, ever heard a reaction like that in my life. Thank you," Judge Simon Cowell said. " I'm a true believer and true example of breaking the word impossible. I am possible. I thank you so much," Musa added.
NEVER GIVING UP
Musa never gave into his disability and started winning when he gave up the government disability grant in 2017. Before becoming a dancer, Musa was passionate about football and believed he would one day make it into a big soccer club after he qualified to join the Ajax development team at 10 years old. Until he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer most common in children. He woke up one morning from the hospital after spending three months with his leg amputated and his dream was gone. A few years later, he was introduced to the world of dance by his close friends. For years he trained with the Vuyani Dance Company in Newtown Johannesburg and worked with the likes of Gregory Maqoma, Lulu Mlangeni, Somizi Mhlongo, and many other established dancers. He has won competitions such as the Red Bull Dance-Off, the Gauteng Matjeko Dance Festival, and Dance Against All Odds. The multi-talented dancer can also DJ and was invited by DJ Black Coffee to join his record label but declined the offer to complete school and he got his national diploma in chemical engineering.
