Joanne ‘lets loose’ in new dance video

Bermudian singer author and dancer, Joanne Ball-Burgess has now added ‘video star’ to her resume.

Ball-Burgess has launched a music video in Kenya, where she lives with husband Quincy and their two sons.

The video is called Chiziqa and features her alter-ego, Jo-1 and Kenyan artist Fishaman.

Just weeks since escaping the Westgate Mall after it was shot into by terrorists, Ball-Burgess launched the video and is travelling to promote it.

Speaking to the Bermuda Sun after the launch party last week, Ball-Burgess said: “Chiziqa is a Kiswahili word which means ‘go crazy’.

“It’s about letting loose, having fun and dancing. The genre is dancehall mixed with afro beats.

“It’s projected to become a hit and for the past couple of days phones have been ringing non-stop.

Surprise

“Although in Bermuda people know that I sing, here in Kenya this is a surprise for everyone.”

She continued: “Citizen Television is the station that also produces Sakata, the show that I am on as a dance judge hosted the launch.

“The host, Willy Tuva said that it was the most well attended launch that he had ever seen.

“Citizen Television hosts music launches weekly. There were also over ten media sources there including newspapers, magazine photographers, journalists and the like.”

Ball-Burgess said her producer is Grandpa Records, which is the largest record label in East Africa.

“Chiziqa is already getting airplay in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.

“I travelled to Mombasa to launch my single at the Pwani Celebrity Awards last weekend.

“When Westgate happened, we had already shot the video and the audio was being mastered.

“I’m just happy that I’m here to see it happen.”

Ball-Burgess moved to Kenya in 2011 with the goal to learn different styles of dance. She never imagined she would end up as a judge on the most watched television dance programme in Kenya- Sakata.

Speaking on the song, Ball-Burgess said: “There are so many people who want to dance when they hear music.

“They want to go crazy and let loose but they’re afraid of what others will think.

“Chiziqa is a license for those people to let everyone know that everyone is born with a love for music and movement.

“When we dance, we breathe and have fun. I hope that when people hear Chiziqa that it inspires freedom of dance and movement everywhere.”

She continued: “In my life there have always been seasons of dance, writing and singing.

“My hope is that through Chiziqa all of those will converge into one, where the public will see and enjoy all of the things that I love and enjoy in one successful project.

“I’m passionate about creative ideas, seeing beauty and trying out things in new ways. 

“I’m passionate about being the best that I can be, genuine friendship and love.”

Joanne’s first recording was  Free to be Me on hte Lizard and the Rock soundtrack.