Alvan-Michael dances his way to Switzerland
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:39
Okere overcame a field of the country's top freestyle dancers to be crowned the 2026 national champion and book his place at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Zurich, Switzerland. For him, the triumph was more than just another competition victory. It was the reward for years of perseverance, having come close in the previous two editions before finally winning the crowd over when it mattered most.
The road to the national title began months ago when dancers from across the country battled for places at the National Final through a qualifier held at Molapo Crossing Piazza on May 16.
Those who advanced also took part in showcase events and a series of workshops before the top 16 freestyle dancers met at Molapo Crossing Piazza for the winner-takes-all National Final.
Throughout the knockout stages, dancers faced one another in one-on-one freestyle battles, with the audience determining who progressed until only two remained standing.
It was there that Okere edged Botswana's first-ever Red Bull Dance Your Style champion to lift the trophy.
'I was in the first competition, then the second one. I reached the finals twice but I did not make it. This time I finally made it,' he explained.
The newly crowned champion said the victory carried extra significance because the final battle was against the woman who won Botswana's inaugural Red Bull Dance Your Style title. 'This means a lot to me. The girl I was battling won the first Red Bull ever in Botswana, so it is an honour to stand with her,' he said.
Okere's love for dance stretches back to his childhood, when dance movies inspired him to pursue freestyle as more than just a hobby.
'I have always had a passion for dance. Watching movies like Step Up and Stomp the Yard when I was a kid inspired me to get into dancing,' the dancer said.
He now hopes the national title will become the turning point in his career.
'I hope this brings a career in dance because I'm a creator. Especially when it comes to dance, I love it.'
Although he now carries local hopes on the international stage, Okere believes local dancers still face an uphill battle at home due to limited recognition and support.
'We are a good country, but we need exposure and recognition. If people recognise what we are doing, they will recognise our country and come here,' he said. He encouraged young creatives to believe in themselves despite challenges facing the industry.
Okere also called for greater investment in Botswana's creative sector, arguing that dancers and artists continue to be overlooked.
'I do not think enough is being done because even when it comes to payments, people have to wait. Dancers and other artists are not really taken seriously unless they become global,' he said.
Hence, the dancer suggested that government and stakeholders should dedicate funding to the arts while creating more platforms for artists to develop their talent.
'We should actually make a budget for creatives and hold fairs and seminars where people can come together and express their creative views,' he said.
Despite the fierce competition, Okere described the atmosphere backstage as one of friendship rather than rivalry.
'All the dancers are my family. After every battle we hugged and showed each other love. It was hard to beat everyone, but I had fun doing it, so I wouldn't say I faced challenges,' he said.
With the Botswana title now secured, Okere's attention turns to the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Zurich, where he plans to elevate his performances to compete against the world's best freestyle dancers.
'I am going to perfect my musicality. My stamina and power need to improve. I want my performances to pop, to be attractive and eye-catching,' he promised.
Okere will now turn his attention to the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final, scheduled for October 24 at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland, where he will represent Botswana against national champions from more than 50 countries.