Jojo: Finally Home - My Story

by Johannes Radebe

Champion dancer and Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe has captured our hearts with his mesmerising talent, bringing joy to millions of fans and wowing the most critical of judges. He is loved not only for his dancing, but for his beautiful, infectious spirit and energy.

Finally Home is his never-before-told story, where he shares the experiences and challenges he's faced - from growing up in Zamdela, a township in South Africa, as a young boy with a passion for dance (and playing with Barbies), to becoming the star he is today. Dance transformed Jojo's future, giving him a tool to express himself - but as you will learn, this was not always easy.

Captivating and moving, these are Jojo's tales of euphoric highs and all-time lows, of making history, of grief, love, family and opportunity. It is a celebration of him finally feeling at home in his own skin. These are the personal moments that have shaped him into the man he is today - someone who lives life to the full and believes that no mountain is insurmountable.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Autobiography, Memoir, LGBT

Audible Audio

First published September 7, 2023

Reviews

[Chloe Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally in awe of Johannes. What a wonderful and inspiring human, a real joy to listen to him narrate his story and talk about all his highs and lows. A wonderful book.

[Jennifer (Jaye) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Remarkable*

I just love Johannes so I had to listen to the audio version. He is very humble and coming from a very poor background, he put in the necessary work to get where he is today. His face is so expressive and he always melts my heart especially when he performs you can really see that dancing is his happy place.

That aside we find out about his upbringing and the challenges he faced especially with his sexuality and his liking as a child for Barbie dolls and it started his love of fashion and expressing himself. Throughout the highs and lows and being bullied for being different, I am glad that his mother and sister have always championed him. With sheer hard work that often meant being away from home with very little to survive and through blood, sweat and tears he is the person he is today without having to hide.

He never comes across to me as a woe is me character, it just felt like he was having a conversation solely to me.

I think I could have listened to this audio in one sitting but I wanted to savour it.

Five stars from me as I found him inspirational more so because he does not even seem to realise how good he is, he is so wonderful and naturally talented and one of my favourites.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible 🎧

[Alexis Taft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this on Audible as i really wantted to hear Jo Jo reading it.
Extraordinary, Beautiful, Honest and so well writen and read.
Full of emotion.
Jo Jo is amazing talent and a wonderful person.
I loved this book.

[Wendy McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light easy read about one of my favourite Strictly dancers.

[Kat]

I ADORE Strictly Come Dancing, and Johannes is one of my favourite professional dancers, so I was very excited to listen to him telling his story in audiobook format.

This is a beautiful, sometimes upsetting, ultimately life affirming memoir that I’d recommend to any Strictly fan. I was angered hearing about some of the cruel bullying young Johannes withstood at school, excited hearing about his participation in ‘Burn The Floor’ show, and nostalgic hearing about his Strictly partnerships so far! I especially enjoyed his discussion of his groundbreaking partnership with John Waite which resulted in some of the most gorgeous, interesting and showtopping dances ever seen on the show.

[megs]

I’m not going to rate this book based on how personal it is, it feels strange to do so. This was a beautiful read, what an inspiring man.

[Nicky Bale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite different to what I had expected. In fact it was a joyous story of this young man’s determination from a very early age to pursue his dancing and his truth. It was lovely to read about the loving family he had behind him at every step of the way.

[SophieWorrall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having watched strictly and seen the progress of this show because of what this man brings, I had to read it. Watching Johannes dance brings me so much joy. He is like sunshine. Through this book he shows how hard work, determination and passion pays off. I’ve really enjoyed finding out about the life of this man and how he came to be the humble, wonderful man he is. Watching his iconic dances from strictly had been like a trip down memory lane and he proves that representation is everything!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heart-warming story of Strictly dancer Johannes Radebe's journey from South African township where he grew up in a materially poor but affectionate family, feeling marginalised by his lack of traditional masculinity and later understanding that he was gay, to UK celebrity as one of the Strictly pros. For Johannes, or Jojo as he really feels, being home is less about ethnicity and geography than being seen and accepted for who he is. The unexpected joy of earning a living by dancing, which he grew up thinking was merely a means of self-expression and particularly the understanding of how much pleasure his work brings others is movingly described. Other highlights are the many female family members and friends who always surrounded him with warmth and affection, notably his beloved, hard-working mum and inspirational aunt, who are lovingly described. This is one to hear read in Jojo's mellifluous tones on audible.

[Books_gang_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Od týhle knížky jsem čekala že se dozvím něco o zákulisí britskýho Stardance (jmenuje se to správně Strictly come dancing, já vím) a ač jsem se toho moc nedozvěděla o zákulisí tak to bylo zajímavý čtení. Radebe je můj nejoblíbenější Strictly profík se zajímavým životním příběhem, kdy se do pozice ve které je teď musel doslova "vydřít ze dna". A myslím to ultra vážně. Samozřejmě je to autobiografie tak nebudu řešit "děj", ale vypíchnu nějaké věci. Moc se mi např. líbil ten tématický rozsah a kontext daleko za nějakým tancováním (např. popis dozvuků jihoafrického apartheidu na černošské obyvatelstvo dlouho po Mandelovi). Styl psaní odpovídá někdy trošku tomu že Radebe není spisovatel ale je to konzistentní a dobře se to čte. Doporučuji i lidem co nikdy Strictly neviděli a chtěli by si přečíst autobiografii o queer člověku z JAR (trochu mi to stylem někdy připomínalo All boys aren't blue).

[Sophie Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, inspirational story!

I admit, it takes a lot for me to read anything autobiographical, but when it's somebody so full of love and life like JoJo, it's just hard to resist. From his humble beginnings in South Africa, all the way through to his dazzling Strictly Come Dancing career, this is an absolutely Fab-U-Lous read!

This particular quote from the book sticks with me, it's so affirming, motivating, and full of hope:

"Self-expression should have no fear. I want to show them that they do not need to stay in any lane; they can break out and be themselves - whatever that looks like to them. They can walk this life not thinking it is too big and that their aspirations are unobtainable. Most of all, I want to say to them: Darling, how will you ever know what you can do if you do not try it? There is no limit to what you can achieve."

A must-read for any JoJo fan!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of JoJo since he first started on Strictly, but had very little idea of his childhood so reading about everything he went through was eye-opening. My heart went out to that little boy with a penchant for high heels and Barbies. Hopefully his success now will be visible to other little Johanneses, so they can see what they can become and that they are not alone.

It was also interesting to read the background to some of his iconic Strictly moments, such as his first routine in heels (which I have rewatched so so many times), the Bridgerton dance with Kai and his partnership with John Whaite. A very easy interesting read. My only regret (after reading other reviews) is not having listened to the audio version to hear it in his voice. I shall just have to read/listen to it again!

[Katy Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Johannes Radebe is a delight. He deserves every good thing in life. I am so impressed that he was able to take such a hard start in life and such obstacles to success and find his way to the life he wanted by sheer hard work and taking every opportunity he was offered. I'd say this was inspirational but it was more awe inspiring.

[Kirstie Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasure to listen to Johannes deliver his story. I cried, laughed and got lost in Johannes’ journey and would do it all again. Would 100% listening to this book on audiobooks as it is even more captivating hearing it from his voice!

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiration! This man is an icon to the LGBT community and to read about the sheer amount of work and dedication he put into his passion from the first moment he discovered it? I have much more appreciation for him after reading this.
An emotional roller coaster as well that's for sure!

[Hamish Calvert · Rating 4 out of 5]

going to need a second book to document the series of strictly where johannes finally wins that much-deserved glitter ball trophy

[Jax · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story from a beautiful man.
Read this really quickly as I was entranced by his writing of his life.
Well worth reading.
I’m a big fan of Jo Jo.
I hope he continues on this path with renewed strength- he has many supporters including me, a fellow South African.

[Lewis Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story of Johannas life from the struggles of childhood to becoming one of the most loved men, a definite read if you like Johannas

[Rowena Onions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started listening to this purely as a curious Strictly fan... but I rapidly became absorbed in the story of a man who by determination (and I'm sure he would agree a little luck) made a life that has had positive benefits for many, many people.

[LisaP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely quick holiday read. Really interesting life story

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

Look at me reading an autobiography 😍

My Nan gave me this to read as we love Johannes on strictly and I’m so glad I read it!

I do find it weird to “rate” nonfiction so I’m rating the writing and storytelling which I loved!!!
The way he told his story was just beautiful, and I loved learning about his African culture and how he was viewed when he was a camp child and how they shaped him into how he is today

Also Aunt Martha was an icon🕊️

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johannes Radebe
Jojo: Finally Home

This was an absolute gem of a book. With no holds barred, this was an honest and open account of his life so far, the ups and downs and the in betweens.

Jojo is a guy from humble beginnings but he shows us in this book how with grit, determination and self belief along with the support of his wonderful family how he becomes a national treasure adored by us all.
A brave and honest account, thank you for sharing your story. There will be tears and smiles along the way
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

[Karen Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book

[Louise Bath · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Dame Edna Everage once sang of Elton John back in the 80s, "Every mother wants a boy like Elton,/Every girl deserves the very best." After reading this book, I think many readers will feel exactly the same way about Johannes Radebe, whether as a son, brother, nephew, or friend.

This is so starkly different in many ways from the usual rags-to-riches, entertainment life-story. Radebe's early days in township South Africa weren't easy, and he faced much racism and homophobia for his love of dancing and being gay. And yet, his reaction is often one of bewilderment as to *how* people can react so vehemently against skin colour, sexuality, and what makes people happy. But growing up with strong, loving parents, protective siblings, and doughty, fiery aunties meant that Johannes would never truly lack self-belief or feel despair.

What comes across very strongly is just how much Radebe has fought, struggled, and worked hard to get where he is today. It can't be stressed enough how he's striven to perfect his skills, and his desire to share his art and to use his talent to bring stories from his life and from Africa to share with a European and Western audience.

Not only immensely talented, likeable, kind and generous, Radebe emerges as a genuinely humble, warm, dedicated, family-oriented and delightful human being: I think we all need such a joyous presence in our lives.

[Otone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Johannes Radebe when he first appeared on Strictly - I remember being gutted he didn’t have a partner in his first year because he was such a bombshell of a dancer, and every year since my admiration has just grown. He writes quite eloquently in this book of growing up in South Africa, and it’s one of the better celebrity memoirs I’ve read. (Plus, it’s fascinating to hear him speak of moments that were televised - his impact on TV has been immense, from dancing in heels to choreographing beautiful routines for himself and John Whaite! I will never forget that pro dance routine to Taylor Swift either…the best in Strictly history.)

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

JoJo is such a charismatic dancer and it was really nice to learn more about his life and how he got to be where he is today. I listened on Audible and he narrated it really well. An enjoyable listen.

[April Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting story. Although sad at first Jo-Jo emerges like a phoenix and it’s brilliant as usual he!
I really enjoyed reading it 💜

[Lauren Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been lucky enough to meet Johannes, bumping into him in the street in Truro, just a couple of hours before seeing Freedom: Unleashed at the Hall for Cornwall. He is genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met. I timidly went up to him and said hi, and that I would have been mad at myself if I hadn’t had gone over. He smiled and took both of my hands in his and asked me for my name. I then told him I was going to be seeing the show later and he beamed, asked if I was excited and told me he hoped that I would love it. We then took a selfie and he proceeded to make his way towards the venue.

This anecdote feels the same as reading this memoir - Jojo taking your hands in his, smiling at you, and making you feel individually special. His presence was heartwarming, as was reading this memoir. While I had an idea, based on the historical context, of the hardships he had faced growing up as a queer, black man in South Africa in the 90s, though past the legal apartheid period, the prejudice still existing, it hits hard reading it in his own words, alongside the personal hardships he was facing.

Despite everything he encountered, he persevered and is now an iconic figure and a staple name in every British home throughout the autumn/winter months. He portrays his gratefulness for every person on every step of his journey, reflecting on his experiences with a mature perspective and coming to terms with his hardships in a way he never had before. This was a beautiful read about growing up under the glitter and sparkle of dance (along with the not so nice parts that come with the competitions and industry in general) and it has made me love Jojo more than I thought I could before.

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn’t be a big Strictly fan, but guessed Johannes had an interesting story to tell and when it was a daily deal on Amazon, knew it was worth the gamble.

He grew up in a township in South Africa, where he soon learned he wasn’t like the other boys. He was interested in fashion, hanging out with the girls and dancing.

Dancing became his safe haven and escape from the bullying he faced, but he wasn’t taking the easy road either. Unfortunately he was limited in his achievements in the dancing world. It was a system that was stacked against him from the start, due to his race, class and lack of disposable income. He found it very difficult to travel, he wasn’t polished enough and didn’t fit into the judges image.

He struggled by making ends meet teaching and sleeping where he could, when he was given the tip to interview for a cruise ship his life changed for the better. Working on cruise ships for seven years built up his confidence and gave him the self belief to audition for South Africa’s Strictly Come Dancing, where he shared the same stage/dancefloor with one of his idols.

Through this he made it to the Westend where he was scouted for the UK Strictly. During this childhood and early career he was told to tone it down as he was too much, but Strictly changed all of that, although he initially hesitated and pushed back he soon jumped in heels first. He was the first male professional dancer to team up with another male, even though he was worried about his personal safety and what the trolls would say, but he’s so great full he did and he was able to change history and also his uncle to stop pestering about bringing home a wife

Such a great read, heartbreaking, but when you knew the happy ending was coming, it was easier to push through