Behind every move, there’s a narrative of passion, perseverance, and unexpected twists. Champion Rolie, a rising star in the dance community, embodies this narrative with his journey from aspiring footballer to accomplished dancer.
Champion Rolie’s journey began at Winneba Senior High School, where he harbored dreams of becoming a footballer. Like many young athletes, his aspirations were fueled by the thrill of the game and the promise of a future on the field.
“I wanted to be a footballer but it didn’t work. I was supposed to go for trials somewhere but my father objected to the idea because he wanted me to study. It got to a point where it felt like the football dream was not going to happen.”
Champion Rolie
Champion Rolie pursued his studies in Communication Design, with a specialization in Advertising, at the Tertiary level. Yet, amidst the pages of textbooks and lectures, the rhythm of dance called out to him. It was a passion ignited by the sight of others moving to the music.
“The passion moved from football to dance. I felt excited when I saw people dance,” the 24-year-old said.
Balancing his academic pursuits with his growing love for dance, Champion Rolie made the courageous decision to pursue his passion, seeking out opportunities to refine his skills. It was during this time that he encountered DWP (Dance With Purpose), a renowned dance collective where he found a community that nurtured his talent and fueled his ambition.
“My father became aware of my dance career when I told him I wanted to join DWP. Mostly, I was free on Saturdays so I told him I’d want to go for a dance class. He agreed but cautioned me to take my books seriously.
“My dad is such that every evening, he wants to see me at a particular spot reading my books. Once I flout that, he gets angry. His educational background is not that good, so, he aims at pushing his children to further their education. He’s a photographer, my other is a trader. I’m the second of three children.”
Champion Rolie
Champion Rolie recalled an event where the true depth of his father’s pride was revealed.
“During my first outreach in December, my father accompanied me. He sat there and stared at me for so long. There was a time he said he was proud of me and I was emotional because he is very shy. When he told me he was proud of me, I was like ‘Woe’.
“He is the type that would never compliment you. So, it really meant a lot to me. It was amazing. It was one of the best things I’d heard from him in a long time.”
Champion Rolie
Champion Gifts Afronitaaa iPhone
The friendship between Champion Rolie and Afronitaaa is admired by many, with some even speculating that they are in a romantic relationship.
Despite denials from both parties and an explanation from Rolie on why he bought Afronitaaa an iPhone 15 Pro Max worth GH₵20,000 on the occasion of her 20th birthday, the dancer has shed light on the kind side of his colleague.
According to him, Afronitaaa once spent time with him at the airport when he missed his flight.
“I was supposed to travel to Israel, but something happened, so I missed my flight. At that time, I didn’t have my card with me. She was at the airport with me; I spent like 6 hours waiting for another flight, and she was there with me throughout. I had to pay a huge amount of money, and she did it for me. We have that friendship. We’re there for each other.”
Champion Rolie
Rolie made this comment as he explained that their friendship had not been one-sided. He said he was fond of Afronitaaa and enjoyed her company but has not thought of dating her.
“We’re not dating. She’s my personal person. She’s not my girlfriend. I haven’t approached her yet; she’s cool. I like her; she’s my personal person. People like our connection. It inspires people, which is why they think we’re dating. Some of these people wish they had such a rapport in their relationships, but they don’t have that. It’s possible [we can marry]. Of course, she’s wife material.”
Champion Rolie
