When Hurricane Melissa struck on October 28, dancer, choreographer and instructor Joel Immortal was off the island exposing the Jamaican culture in Russia.

The devastation that he later saw on social media had an effect on him. But, thankfully, members of his family did not suffer any damage.

“The hurricane incident was very shocking for me. I was sad because I knew my people back home had to face something dangerous. I was thrown off balance because I was in another country, and I could not stay focused because I was worrying about my family. Thankfully they were safe,” Joel Immortal told the
Jamaica Observer’s Splash on the weekend.

Upon his return to the island almost two weeks after the hurricane, Joel Immortal got busy playing his part in assisting with relief efforts and partnering with businessman and music executive Romeich Major of Major Marketing.

“When I returned I saw a lot of the devastation first-hand. I was helping Romeich, and we were distributing things and helping the places that got really badly affected by the hurricane. It was devastating to see how bad the place was and the after-effect with everything. Houses were on the ground and covered by water. Cars were destroyed and people lost a lot. I could not believe this is really Jamaica with all of this happening. It was a sad moment, but I am happy that I am helping to make things better because I believe better days are coming,” Joel Immortal shared.

The popular dancer, who won the Red Bull Dance Your Style Street Dance competition in 2022, spoke about performing in Russia.

“I got booked for multiple shows over there. I was moving from city to city and every place had a different vibe because dancehall over there is very big, and the people are very passionate about it. For me to be there is a dream come true for them, because they get to learn [how to dance] from the source,” said Joel Immortal, while adding that this wasn’t his first time performing in Russia.

“It was actually my fifth time travelling to Russia. But every time feels like the first time, because the love and support that I get is always [great]… The experience is always amazing and inspiring because I inspire them and they inspire me and keep me motivated…”

Said Joel Immortal: “What I enjoyed most was the love and the support and the passion from the people. It showed me that dancehall really reaches far and that my work is making an impact.”

Although he was in Russia for three weeks, Joel Immortal is gearing up for a two-month European tour that kicks off in February next year.

“It could even reach up to almost three months depending on bookings,” he disclosed. “What I am looking forward to the most is the energy and the support from people in different countries. It feels amazing to see dancehall growing and to know that I am helping to reach new places and new people every time.”

At 28 years of age, Joel Immortal has carved out an enviable niche in the dancing arena.

“I have been dancing my whole life but I started to take dancing serious as a job when I was around 14 or 15. That is when I said this is what I want to do professionally,” he stated.

Born Joel Pennant, he is originally from Old Harbour in St Catherine, but he attended Central High School in Clarendon.

He started the Russian Squad dance group and later became a member of Active Immortal. He also created Dancehall Family Tree (DFT), a group that unites dancers.

“We want to set a new generation with this, and this is why we are connected to share our platform together from different teams and individual teams amongst the DFT unity,” Joel Immortal said proudly.

“My journey has been amazing… Many things surprised me, but I always believed they would happen because of my work and my determination. I want to make my family, my friends, and my culture proud, and I want to change the world through dance. I want to make my work stay immortal just like my name, Joel Immortal, because dancing is life,” he said.

The dancer recently made his recording début with the song Thumbs Up, featuring artiste and media personality Sanjay.