From Humble South African Roots to High-Seas Stardom: The Inspiring Journey of Justone

NATIONWIDE - JANUARY 2026 - (USAnews.com) In the dazzling realm of dance and performance, Justone emerges as a true South African superstar, whose extraordinary talent and captivating energy have lit up stages around the world. Born and raised in South Africa amid a challenging environment that built his unshakeable resilience, Justone's path to fame began at the age of 16 when he started teaching himself to dance. With no formal lessons at first, he turned to YouTube tutorials and practiced on the grass of his front lawn, moving to the beats that ignited his passion. These humble beginnings dancing under the open sky with sheer determination laid the foundation for a career that would see him rise from self-taught enthusiast to international sensation. Justone's story is a powerful reminder that greatness often sprouts from the simplest seeds, fueled by hard work and an unbreakable spirit.

Justone's dance roots are deeply embedded in freestyle disco, a vibrant world of glittering costumes, judges circling the floor, and competitors sharing the space with numbers pinned to their backs. This competitive scene was where he first honed his skills, embracing the high-energy flair and precision that defined his early style. He didn't start with hip-hop or other genres; instead, he immersed himself in disco's sparkle and rhythm, later expanding into contemporary dance to add layers of emotional depth and fluidity. Without the means to pay for classes, Justone resourcefully sat in on lessons, observing the other dancers intently and mirroring their moves until he mastered them. Combined with his YouTube sessions, this self-driven approach transformed him into an extremely flexible and dynamic performer. He worked tirelessly on his flexibility, achieving a level of suppleness that wows audiences, and developed his signature move the whack back a dramatic, crowd-pleasing flourish he incorporates into nearly every show.

His big break came without the grind of in-person auditions; instead, Justone submitted an online audition to Carnival Cruise Line, and they recognized his star potential immediately, offering him a contract. This led to his triumphant role as the lead in "Flick: The Power of Motion Pictures" aboard the Carnival Magic, a highlight that solidified his status as a performing powerhouse.

The Carnival Magic, a stunning ship in Carnival's fleet with a double-occupancy capacity of 3,690 guests (and up to 4,724 at maximum), serves as a floating paradise of entertainment and excitement. For six impressive months, Justone called this vessel home, delivering night after night of high-octane performances in the ship's Showtime Theatre, a grand 1,500-seat venue where the energy crackles with anticipation. As the main character, Flick, in the Playlist Productions spectacular, he owned the stage, bringing the show's magical essence to life for thousands of guests.

"Flick: The Power of Motion Pictures" is a fabulous tribute to the enchantment of cinema, blending iconic movie soundtracks, breathtaking visuals, and intricate choreography into an unforgettable narrative. As Flick, the ambitious filmmaker pursuing his dreams, Justone infused the role with his dynamic presence executing gravity-defying leaps, seamless spins, and his beloved whack back that never failed to elicit cheers. The production sparkles with elaborate sets that transport viewers into Hollywood's world, from high-flying aerial sequences to group numbers inspired by classics like Top Gun. Justone loved every moment of it, describing the show as "pure magic, a whirlwind of lights, music, and motion that made me feel alive." His performances were electric, earning rave reviews from guests who couldn't get enough. "Justone's flexibility and energy as Flick were incredible; his whack back had the whole theater roaring!" one reviewer shared online. Another gushed, "He was the star of the show, dynamic, flexible, and utterly captivating. The guests loved it!"

Over those six months, Justone connected with diverse audiences from across the globe, performing for packed houses that turned cruises into personal triumphs. The sheer volume of shows multiple times a week in front of up to 1,500 spectators each time highlighted his endurance and star quality, especially on a ship bustling with adventure. Even as larger vessels sail the seas today, the Carnival Magic's vibrant atmosphere amplified Justone's shine, creating intimate yet epic moments that guests raved about long after disembarking. His ability to blend freestyle disco roots with contemporary grace made every performance feel fresh and personal, drawing repeat viewers and fostering a fanbase that followed him from show to show.

Today, Justone stands as an inspiration to dancers everywhere, his journey from lawn practices in South Africa to headlining on the high seas a testament to passion and perseverance. With his signature moves, unmatched flexibility, and dynamic style, he's not just a dancer he's a star whose light continues to inspire. As he looks to future opportunities, including  creative ventures, Justone remains grounded in the humble roots that started it all, proving that with dedication, anyone can dance their way to the top.

Stay Connected with Justone on social media:

Instagram: @its_justone 
Tik-Tok: @itsjustone