Hamza Yassin on paying tribute to his roots with Afro-fusion dance
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Hamza Yassin is one of the final five contestants on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing. The wildlife cameraman and his professional partner Jowita Przystał discussed their sem-final routines on Wednesday’s episode of Morning Live which they will perform this weekend. During their interview, Hamza spoke about his “three mothers” who have inspired him.
Hamza will be dancing in the semi-final against Will Mellor, Molly Rainford, Fleur East and Helen Skelton.
They will each have to perform two dances on the night, which Hamza described as “difficult” as he has to “compartmentalise” the routines.
The 32-year-old scored 36 points out of a possible 40 for his emotional Samba to the Lion King hit He Lives In You on last week’s show.
While he was one of the lowest-scoring celebrities of the week, he avoided the dreaded dance-off, and Kym Marsh was sent home.
Hamza addressed the competition heating up with Gethin Jones and Sam Quek on Morning Live via a live video link.
Hamza, who was joined by Jowita, shared how much he adored performing an electric Couple’s Choice routine dedicated to his African heritage in recent weeks.
He and Jowita scored an impressive 39 points for the uptempo routine, with most of the judges handing out 10s.
When Gethin asked why Hamza loved the Afro-fusion routine so much, the wildlife cameraman replied: “The Afro-fusion was a representation.
“It was to celebrate my three mothers as I call them. Mother Nature, Mother Africa and my mother.
“It was just a case of going out there and enjoying it, it was a lot of passion and a lot of emotion.
“Jowita danced her heart out that night and we went out there with no expectations.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen and it was the first time ever for Strictly to have Afro-fusion on there and represent the continent of Africa where I’m from.
“So, it was just a pleasure to be doing that on the stage and for people to enjoy it as well.”
Gethin said so many people around the UK “loved” their Couple’s Choice.
Jowita added: “No one expected it from Hamza and I think it was a turning point as well and he went there and showed everything he’d got.
“I know Craig [Revel Horwood] has not given us a 10 yet, but I still have that big hope it’s going to come.
“And I believe in that because [Hamza] deserves it!”
Gethin said he could “feel” Hamza and Jowita would be scored full marks by the judges in time for Christmas.
The semi-final will air on BBC One on Sunday at 7.15pm instead of Saturday due to World Cup coverage.
Morning Live airs on weekdays at 9.15am on BBC One.
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