The People’s Dancer; Amapiano’s Ambassador in the Diaspora

Aug 17

3 min read

3

35

0

There’s no true measure for the cost of chasing one’s dreams — the relentless requirement of showing up consistently without an imminent crowd, or having to quit in the absence of everyone, only to persevere, bounce back, and try again with no promise of it ever working out.

To find that definitive moment is one thing… but to keep your rhythm on life’s beat — that’s what truly makes The People’s Dancer more than just a choreographer or groove technician.

The intentionality behind each step is followed by hard work. It’s the fuel behind the passion that sets Kay apart in any dance circle. This is the unwavering art of showing up — choosing to be at the centre of culture, even outside of its known limelight.

For what it’s worth, I’ll be writing this article from the POV of a friend who’s been privileged enough to see Kay become a custodian of South African dance, music, and culture. Today, Kay prepares for a roundhouse tour of various dance studios, amapiano workshops, event curations, and a setlist of music activations across Europe and Asia in the coming months.

The People’s Dancer Tour includes stops in:

• Finland: 21st–24th August

• Serbia: 25th–28th August

• Ireland: 29th August–1st September

• London: 1st–4th September

• Sweden: 4th–7th September

• Free period: 8th–11th September

• Netherlands: 11th–23rd September

In retrospect, I’ve lost count of the number of dance tutorials, videos, and TikTok challenges he’s gracefully published & engaged in. But in that playful exercise, there’s a clear vision at the centre of this movement — there’s a story being told. One about the beauty of coming together to share a common likeness beyond cultural differences.

And if you’ve ever wondered what music fuels this vision, here’s Kay’s current playlist — the soundscape behind the moves:

Dj Jaivane – Lutho
Tumza D'Kota – Motion
Cowboii – Mdantso Nyana
City King RSA – Checkmate
Nandipha808 – Move to the Right
Tycoon & Mdu Aka Trp – Yebo (Umshaqa)
King P – E'Pop
Kelvin Momo – Take Me to the River
Sam Deep, Nvcho & Stixx – Bhari
Mdu Aka Trp – Brazil (Samba Mix)

I often ask myself if this is something he learned during his time as an English teacher in China — perhaps a newfound purpose to inspire and impart knowledge beyond the classroom & out into the world.

This perfect rhythm of show and teach adds a flex beyond just catching the beat on the ones and twos, or hitting the syncopated footwork on the three-step, or even mastering the m’lome bobby facial expression that seals every crowd-closing performance.

He really took the phrase “Amapiano to the world” and ran with it as his own vision. Where many in the South African diaspora might shrink and integrate, The People’s Dancer chose to educate.

Almost synonymous with the brand, this has become a way of life.

The People's Dancer (Kay)

0:00

So, what’s next? More city tours? More choreographed routines? More cultural exchange rooted in creating and contributing to the global social sphere?

I guess ours is to keep watch — or at least, try to keep up with the pacing and the showmanship.

What’s beautiful about Kutlwano, I mean “Kay” is that he has always been The People’s Dancer. From the early days on campus, he was never hesitant to open a dance circle and create a memorable moment from nothing. And that very energy remains to this day. So, no matter how small the circle, and no matter how big it’s going to get… the culture is always in safe hands cause,

The people will always need a dancer.

[WATCH]: The Journey - Amapiano in China

Follow Kay’s journey and moves here: