Nobody gave him a flicker of a chance, but when the going got tough, young Isaac Chinagorom sporting Nigerian colours rose up to the challenge.  With 590 other contestants fighting to become the world’s number one best dancer, the Imo State born did what nobody thought possible, he dug into his arsenal and boom, he shot himself into international reckoning. He emerged the third runners-up in the 1984 edition of the Malibu World Dance Championship.  

It was a feat no other African had ever achieved.  Long after that feat, Isaac vanished into thin air. But today he is back. In an interface with Bridget Amaraegbu, he disclosed how he traveled abroad in search of golden fleece. Enjoy it.
Are you fully back to Nigeria?I’m fully back for good. Nigeria is my home and so I’m here.

You were away for more than 15 years?

Yes, I’ve been doing some research and now that I’ve gotten what I want, I’m here to deliver.

After you went for the world dance championship, you decided to settle in Denmark, so, what were you doing there?
I continued dancing and also attended a production  school after, which I was producing for BMG Records and I paid my bills through that.

Are you saying you could still do some of those magic on stage today?

Exactly. Today, I’m even  more crazy at it because I know what I’m doing now. Then, I just did it without knowing what I was actually doing.

At what age?

(Laughing) It doesn’t matter.

Can you still compete with the young ones today?

Competing with the young ones is not an issue for me because they haven’t got the experience I have. What they’re doing now was exactly what I did before I left the country.

I was able to win in 1984 because I did something different from what every other person was doing. So, I can say they’re not doing anything. I’m still a champion.

But you have to give them some credit for sustaining dance in Nigeria…

Yes, but they too should give me some credit for bringing dance to limelight in this country.  Back then, we were seen as unambitious children but today, parents are encouraging their children and wards to take dancing as a profession.

Why weren’t dancers respected those days?

Yes, every parent then wanted his or her child to go to school and study hard to pass exams. Parents were not happy seeing their children taking to dancing.

You were the first Nigerian to have taken part in an international dance competition…How did you feel?

Yes, I’m the first and I had to compete with about 600 people and won.

I felt great and excited because I didn’t believe I would get to that stage but I did and won. And my name resounded almost everywhere, so I was happy.

The reception back home from the airport was great and I still remember Vanguard, Punch, Champion and the rest wrote about me and celebrated me on the papers and I’m still grateful to them.

So, why did you settle in Denmark?

Dance wasn’t popular then and I couldn’t make a living from it. Besides, I needed to learn some other dancing skills, which I’ve done and I’m ready to impact on others.

I still dance and if you put me to test, I’ll surprise you.

How do you intend to impact on younger generation?

I’m begging you now to spread the news. Tell my  Governor to give me a land so that I can build a dance school in Imo State where I can train the young ones because we have the potentials.

How did you feel when you came back and found out that dance has gone big in Nigeria?

I was much impressed but I still feel there are things they’re lacking because they’re doing what I did before. They really need to be guided which I’m ready to do.

Apart from dance, what else are you doing?

I’m a producer, singer and song- writer. Yes, I have a studio at Trade Fair Complex called Isrum  records.

What amazes me is that you came in and nobody noticed you’re here, why?

First of all, I was away for too long, according to you. So, I had to settle down to know what is happening before I explode. I have a new album titled ‘Nigeria is naked’ which will hit the market soon. I’m calling on Nigerians in diaspora to come home and let’s join hands to clothe this nation.

I listen to one of the tracks which sounds very romantic, are you married?

I’m married to a black sister, a Nigerian. The song is romantic but it is for those who’re romantic.

Are you both wedded?

We’re on the process.

What was it like with the girls back then when you became a world dance champion?

I would say I was corrupt then because I was young and didn’t know what I was doing. The girls were so much on me and I ask God to forgive me for all the atrocities I committed then.

And you didn’t get married to any of them?

No, I didn’t. I have a child with a white lady in Europe.

Let’s look at the music industry. What are the chances of this your new album?

I’ve done a good job because I know that Nigeria is not a place where you come and drop any crap. So, I’m sure it will excel. Anything good goes in Nigeria and I’m sure the people will like it.