Sixteen-year-old Jungeli, the second youngest contestant on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ is excited to showcase his talents in a stylish rhinestone-adorned suit. A rising afropop star from Sevran, his hit ‘Petit Génie’ has garnered over 50 million streams. Balancing dance with school, he remains optimistic despite the challenges. Jungeli is committed to giving his all during training while embracing the journey of self-discovery and connection with his audience. Support from friends and fellow artists fuels his aspirations in music.
At just two years old, the magic of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ began its journey on TF1. Now, 16-year-old Jungeli is ready to step into the spotlight as the show’s second youngest contestant ever, alongside Quebec’s Lenni-Kim, who was also 16 during season 8. Jungeli expresses his excitement, saying, ‘It’s crazy’, while showcasing his stylish black suit jacket adorned with sparkling rhinestones that elevate his look for the show.
Jungeli’s Musical Journey
Hailing from Sevran in Seine-Saint-Denis, Jungeli is making waves in the music scene with his afropop anthems that are shattering streaming records. His hit single ‘Petit Génie’ has become a sensation, amassing over 50 million streams in record time this year and earning accolades at the NRJ Music Awards. Despite his infectious beats that make everyone want to dance, Jungeli humbly claims he lacks dancing prowess. He will be joining Inès Vandamme, who was a finalist in the previous season, in this exhilarating dance competition.
Balancing School and Dance
When asked about juggling ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and high school responsibilities, Jungeli laughs, ‘I thought I should try a new adventure, do something new.’ He reassured his parents, who expressed concern over managing schoolwork amidst his dance commitments, saying, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got this!’ Although he acknowledges the challenge, he is optimistic about balancing his studies in STMG with the demands of the show.
Jungeli insists he isn’t a natural dancer, but he remains hopeful that through training, he will improve. He shares that fellow afropop singer Tayc, who won season 11, has given him encouragement and advice. Jungeli hopes to get in shape and stay physically fit to meet the challenges ahead.
Expectations and Self-Discovery
With a clear vision for his time on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ Jungeli aims for full commitment at every training session, stating, ‘I need to be 100% every time.’ While he feels a bit intimidated by the precision required in waltz, he is prepared to embrace the experience. As a contact dance, he recognizes the importance of embodying a character and connecting with the audience.
At just 16, Jungeli reflects on his whirlwind success and the pressure that comes with it. He confidently asserts, ‘I know who I am.’ Despite the rapid growth in his career and the millions of streams, he remains grounded, focusing on enjoying music and sharing his emotions with fans. Jungeli hopes viewers will see him as a passionate young artist eager to fulfill his dreams.
Although he admits to not being a regular viewer of the show, preferring video games and outdoor activities, he is ready to rally his friends for support. ‘They have to, they have to!’ he laughs. With aspirations to stay in music after finishing high school, Jungeli is set on continuing his artistic journey, embracing every moment along the way.
Catch ‘Dancing with the Stars’ every Friday at 9:10 PM and join Jungeli in this exciting new chapter!