Choreographer for the stars King O’Holi shares more on his story, working with major artists, his inspiration and wisdom for the younger generation

Making a huge impact in the dance community is rising choreographer King O'Holi . Providing stage direction for the biggest artists in the world from X-Factor's Little Mix to The Sugarbabes, J Hus, Wizkid , Odeal, Davido, Clean Bandit, The MOBO Awards and the late Liam Payne he has worked with them all. The London native has been building a buzz over the years.

He shares his story so far and what it was like growing up and watching classic dance films in the early 2000s which sparked his dance passion and drive . Taking up dance at the age of 21, King is developed a unique style of work and expression. Listening to various genres of music helped evolve his creative mind and prowess.

King OHoli speaks on what inspired him to pursue his career in choreography , his lessons from working with the biggest stars in entertainment and also gives advice and words of wisdom to the younger generation and finally gives insight into what fans and supporters can look forward to in 2026.

King O'Holi performing on stage with Leigh-Anne Pinnock

1) Where did your talent first come about?

KING: My talent came from my upbringing. My mum introduced me to music, movement, culture and travel from young, and that shaped everything. After she passed, dance became both my outlet and my purpose. From then on, it was discipline, hunger, and building something from nothing in divine timing.

2) Who influenced you growing up in the arts? KING: Artists who made me feel something; Michael Jackson and Beyoncé for discipline and performance, Usher for steeze, Chris Brown for movement. And the OGs like Chris Grant, JaQuel Knight, Sean Bankhead and Bryan Tanaka. I was also blessed to train under incredible choreographers and grow alongside dancers who pushed me; they shaped my creativity and how I view art. And of course, the classics - You Got Served, Step Up 1 & 2, Save The Last Dance & Honey. Those films made dance feel larger than life and fed my passion growing up.

3) How has working with major artists shaped you? Any lessons from stage work? KING: Working with many different artists has shaped me in a big way. Every artist creates differently, which keeps you adaptable and evolving. I’ve always valued connection, and when that alignment is there, the vision stays authentic and the work hits deeper.

Connection first. When the vision is aligned, the work stays authentic. And at the end of the day, your energy, your professionalism, and how you hold the room will always take you further than any step. Show up prepared, protect the space, serve the vision, and stay steady when things shift - because they always do.

4) What does creating films feel like? Any favourite films growing up?

KING : Creating films feels like building a world - movement, emotion and imagination coming together. When the process is aligned, it’s one of the most powerful and rewarding feelings. You create something from nothing, and it becomes this external vibration that leaves your mind and lands in reality. At the same time, creativity is sensitive. Not every process feels the same, some environments have more pressure or more voices, which can challenge how you work. Even then, you learn a lot about staying grounded in the vision whilst protecting your peace. Growing up, I connected deeply with films rooted in faith, resilience, and purpose: Coach Carter, 8 Mile, Love & Basketball, Boyz n the Hood, John Q and Men of Honour. Those stories shaped how I create today. They taught me to lead with intention, emotion, and a story whenever I build a world through movement.

5) What advice would you give the younger generation about dreams and purpose? KING: Move with intention. Don’t chase noise, chase growth. Stay disciplined, stay consistent, and build your character as much as your craft! And above all, be a good person. This industry is built on energy, trust and how you treat people. You don’t need the full plan yet, just keep stepping. Purpose becomes clearer as you move. And never shrink your dreams based on where you started. Believe even when no one else does. And remember: a team will always take you further than moving alone. Collaboration over ego, always.

6) What can we expect from you next year ?

KING : Next year is about impact, fun and sharing more of the journey. I’ll be working with more artists, creating more films, doing more performance direction, and continuing to elevate Space to Create. My focus is culture, building and taking the work to new places.

I’ve also started a new venture that I’m really excited about, I’ll be sharing more on that next year.

For more information follow King O'Holi on Instagram.