The dance performance reflects on the ten years since Samwel Japhet left the streets, after living as a street child across cities in Tanzania for over a decade. It is a tribute to his journey from homelessness and abuse to finding belonging and purpose through dance, and is an excerpt from his autobiographical solo, Hobeme.
In this piece, Samwel revisits the layers of his past, the complexities of emotions, memories, and growth that have shaped who he is today. Through movement and storytelling, the audience is invited to witness a journey of overcoming adversity, finding a sense of belonging, and reclaiming one’s story.
10 Years of Becoming is not only a reflection of Samwel’s personal journey but also a testament to those who have grown up in challenging environments, confronted societal norms, found new homes, and continued to get on with life.
Concept, choreography, performance: Samwel Japhet
Music: Ado Ado by Esama – Sigermaxter
Photography, film projection: Jimmy Mathias – EyeFilms