Israel Adanna Joanne and Israel Charles: The good dancers, reciters

What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Israel Adanna Joanne. I am 10 years old. I am in JSS2. I am into spoken words and I also dance. I am a very brilliant student, who is focused and loves to read. I also love writing and dancing. I started all this when I was in the nursery. But I am not the only one that does all this in the family. My brother also dances.

I started spoken a word when I was seven years old. I was doing it at schools and in churches. When I was eight years old, I had my first open crusade spoken word performance, titled: Night of Bliss. The programme was attended by more than one million people. They included men, women and children. I was able to do this with the help of Pastor Emeka Eze, our zonal director. The programme held in 2018 and 2019.

I can say my passion for dancing started almost at the same time. I love dancing to hip-hop music, just like many other children. I have participated in many dancing events, where I performed very well. This has made my school proud of me and my achievement in this area.

I actually took up dancing seriously after meeting a girl at one of our pastor’s birthday celebrations. After my presentation, this particular girl also came to perform. She did a wonderful job of it, with lovely dance steps of ballet, which challenged my spirit. I fell in love with her dance steps and wished to join the ballet group.

However, I was not able to start until eight months later, due to financial constraints. And to the Lord’s glory, I am doing well in both my studies and the training. I am learning fast.

When I went to register for the ballet dance, my brother went with me. On getting there, my brother, whose name is Israel Charles, also requested to be registered, which they did. And it turned out to be the best choice he ever made. He is 12 years old and in SS1. He is very caring, a good adviser and a deep thinker. He is also into spoken word.

So, what is the motive behind what you do?
Our purpose is to raise Godly children. The Bible says to train up a child in the way of the Lord, and he/she will never go astray. Such training helps children to be focused on. It also helps them to discover who they are on time and what they want to do with their lives.

Tell us the places you have performed?
We have performed in churches, schools, wedding ceremonies and many other programmes.

Do you make money from what you do?
For now, our aim is not making money, but to make a name and for the public to get to know us. The money will surely come in the nearest future.

Who are your role models?
My role models are Sophia and Pastor Chris. My brother’s role model is Pastor Chris.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?
In the next five years, we want to be known for what we do, both at home and abroad.

What is your advice to parents and other children?
It is always good for parents to desire good things for their children. But it should not stop there. They should help their children to achieve their goal and realise their dreams, by engaging them in things that bring glory to God. Parents should take care not to be to money driven when helping their children to develop their God-given abilities. The money will come, only if you are committed to what you are doing. And to the kids, be focused and keep being the best of your best.

Contact Details: charlesjoangreat@gmail.com
Instagram: Joan-great