By Nosipho Mabuza (Intern) | Entertainment News
MHLABUBOVU – Lungelo Dlamini, known as Loongelo Tunchie on social media, has transformed from a self-taught dancer into a performer sharing the stage with top artists. His inspiring journey is a testament that perseverance and passion can indeed turn dreams into reality.
At just 23 years old, the Mhlabubovu-born dancer is making significant waves in Eswatini’s entertainment scene. His affinity for dance began in high school, although it started as a casual interest. “At first, it wasn’t passion,” he admits. “I used to enjoy watching dance videos and trying some styles. Then, in high school, I realized my love for dance and started taking it seriously.”
Loongelo joined the Kwaito Boys Dance Crew at St. Christopher’s High School in Form 4, where he learned various dance styles. However, his journey was not without challenges. “At first, it was so difficult I almost left the group. As a slow learner, I found it hard to catch up, and since I joined late, I had to learn everything quickly while some people discouraged me.”
Inspired by renowned South African dancers like Tom London and Limpopo Boy, Loongelo dedicated hours to perfecting his craft. However, his biggest hurdle was gaining support from his family. “My family, as Christians, were against dance. I understand their perspective because dance is often associated with groove and drugs. They were just trying to protect me.” Over time, he was able to convince his mother to accept his passion.
Without a mentor to guide him, Loongelo faced challenges in building his name. The turning point came when he connected with Mq Eswatini Dancer on TikTok. Their collaboration garnered recognition, leading to a major breakthrough when he got a chance to perform at a high profile function .Another significant moment in his career was working with Lady Sphesh. “I used to create content using her songs. She noticed and eventually offered me a gig as her backup dancer.” Their performance at Earth Hour 2025 was a success, which opened doors for more opportunities with her team.
Now, Loongelo dreams of performing at larger events and appearing in music videos. His advice to aspiring dancers is clear: “Don’t expect someone to see and lift you up; go for it and never give up.”
For bookings and collaborations, he can be reached via email at loongelot@gmail.com or on WhatsApp at +268 76623067. Follow him on all social media platforms as @LoongeloTunchie.
