Xallamo dances his way to global final

For 29-year-old Zacharia Gariseb, better known as Xallamo, dance has never been just a hobby. It is a calling that took shape on the streets of his hometown, Tsumeb, where a love of movement and martial arts films sparked a dream that would eventually take him to the world stage.Inspired by Jackie Chan kung fu classics such as Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow, Gariseb began developing his own style with few formal platforms or opportunities available to him locally. He practised wherever he could, determined to improve his skills despite the criticism and doubts he faced along the way.That determination has now paid off. Gariseb was crowned the winner of Namibia’s first Red Bull Dance Your Style competition, earning him the chance to represent the country at the global final in Zurich, Switzerland.For the dancer, the victory means more than a title. It is also a response to those who once dismissed his ambitions.Gariseb recalls being called a “crazy lunatic” and being told to find a proper job instead of pursuing dance. Today, some of those same critics are cheering him on. “The same people that said I don’t mean anything are encouraging me to dance today,” he said. “I proved a point: my talent wasn’t going to go unseen.”'Gift from God'He sees his success as confirmation of a gift from God and is grateful to the fellow dancers who challenged him to push beyond his limits.He also has a message for young people who dream of pursuing their talents, even when others do not understand their ambitions.“Dear black child, you know where you come from, and you know what you want to do,” he said.As preparations for the global final continue, support for Gariseb is growing at home. Local streetwear brand BC Namibia has backed the champion through its Wear Our Own initiative, presenting him with custom T-shirts and a hoodie to wear during his trip to Switzerland.For Gariseb, the journey is about far more than personal success. It is a chance to open doors for his career while showing an international audience where he comes from and what Namibia has to offer.“I want people to see the soil of Namibia through my style of dance, which is Amapanzola,” he said.By taking his distinctive style and cultural roots beyond Namibia’s borders, Xallamo hopes to give the world a taste of the creativity, culture and energy of his homeland.From practising on the streets of Tsumeb to preparing for an international competition, his journey is a reminder that talent can grow even where opportunities are limited – and that believing in yourself can be the first step towards making a dream a reality.

Xallamo dances his way to global final

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-10-16

Please login to leave a comment

Xallamo dances his way to global final

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-10-16

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content