October 23, (THEWILL) – Popular dancer, Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, has revealed that losing his father when he was quite young pushed him into dancing.
He made this known while speaking with BBC Igbo about his formative years as a dancer.
According to him, his father died when he was about 10 years old, leaving his mum to fend for five kids.
“I suffered. The story of how I got to where I am today as a dancer is that of suffering. Do you know how many dancers we have in Nigeria? I started with dancing at birthday parties as a kid, whether solicited or not.
“I used to dance at beach shows. As a man from a humble background, I had to strive so we all could eat. My dad died when I was very young. It’s been like 15 years now. My mum was left to fend for five children by herself”, he stated.
Poco Lee further recounted how relatives from whom they expected aid turned their back against them after his father’s death
“The family members abandoned us. My mum suffered. Those things drove me. I couldn’t keep doing something that wasn’t paying. I had to double my hustle. I started going to plazas. At Alaba market, they know me.
“December 15/16, we would go and dance at year-end parties. I’d call my cousins and some friends and teach them one or two choreographies so we could perform. We get paid and we share the funds. I also worked as a hype man.
“My father was a popular and lively person before his death too. I still don’t think I’ve arrived yet but I’ll get there.
“If I didn’t go into dancing, I would have opted to become a presenter or host at events, things like that. Whatever you’re doing as a profession, make sure to put in the work. You never know when it will all come together.”
