Music talent inspired by Michael Jackson is a recipient for the Artes Award
The Influential Women and Artes Award ceremony was held on September 23 and Dantanio Goodman was the recipient
Musically talented Dantanio Goodman, currently staying in Johannesburg South, was born and raised in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
He is the last born of eight children and during high school, he was part of a vocal harmony group called Unique Transitions. During their time together they released three albums.
It all started at the age of nine when he would sing around the house while doing chores. At age 15 he began performing at school events and some competitions and later on when he joined the group Unique Transitions, they would tour different provinces.
“Music has always been in my family but I think I got my singing from my mother who always sang in church. She would take me to church regularly and take part in the hymn songs. Watching my mother sing in church was my inspiration,” said Goodman.
At age nine, he would watch his older brother dance in the lounge to Michael Jackson’s music and he would be so into it that he started emulating him.
“I later started watching anything Michael Jackson did and at my high school, I was asked to be part of the Spring Day festival where I performed as the king of pop. It made such a great impact that I just wanted to continue performing as him,” expressed Goodman.
Overcoming hurdles
He highlights that he sometimes finds it hard to be among big groups of people, and he always gets butterflies before going on stage.
“I also have to calm myself down and not overthink everything, especially when it comes to my performance. I want things perfect. To overcome these challenges, I pray and do breathing exercises. I do my best to focus not so much on trying to be perfect but on doing it right.”
Inspiration and experiences
The versatile entertainer’s inspiration comes from anywhere. He particularly loves nature and takes delight in watching it unfold. He also reads and watches movies to inspire him as there is a lot to discover when studying life.
“I remember performing the song She’s out of my life and inviting a fan on stage where she cried and kept on saying I love you Michael. It really humbled me.
“On another occasion, I did the moonwalk and went into a perfect toe stand,” explained Goodman.
“I performed on so many stages and events it’s difficult to mention them all. I have done amazing events around the country and around the world for so many prestigious companies and clientele, from award ceremonies to weddings and other corporate functions. With many more to come.”
Touring with talent
This talented South African singer has been a part of two international Michael Jackson productions, the Michael Jackson History Show which toured Canada, Australia, the UK, Russia, South Africa, New Zealand and Singapore.
“In 2018 I performed and starred in the Beat It musical in Germany where we toured Germany and I had the honour of meeting Jermaine Jackson, which was one of the biggest highlights of my touring career,” said Goodman, ecstatically.
As a singer and songwriter, he is grateful that he has had the privilege to collaborate with some very talented and gifted people around the world.
He’s done collaborations with Dr Victor, regarding him as a mentor. “I also had the privilege to work with Vicky Sampson, Dawnay, Emo Adams, Garth Taylor and recently Kurt Darren. There are some very talented people out there whom I still would like to collaborate with.”
Artes Award recipient
“I feel very grateful and humbled by this award as I have been performing and touring and collaborating for the past 26 years. I am so grateful to be a nominee. I was selected for the award by the fans who voted for me to be nominated.
“I am so grateful for their contribution and support,” highlighted the singer.
The future
“I will continue writing and producing music and explore my artistic side.
“I would like to write a few books to inspire other upcoming singers and performers. I also have a great interest in venturing into investing and developing our youth. With the right collaborations this can be done,” emphasised Goodman.
He also looks forward to all upcoming projects and events for the rest of 2023.
