In an unforgettable fireside chat at the 2024 CFO Awards, which took place at the Polo Room at the Inanda Club in Sandton, dancer and choreographer Musa Motha held the room spellbound with his story of courage, resilience and an unbreakable spirit.
During a conversation with outgoing CFO executive community director Georgina Guedes, Musa revisited the moment his life changed forever at age ten when a cancer diagnosis led to the painful decision to amputate his left leg. Two weeks post-surgery, Musa was back on the soccer field, already defying expectations and refusing to let his new reality define him.
However, to his surprise, soccer was only the beginning as he later found his true calling in dancing - with crutches. Musa defied gravity and stereotypes, moving to the rhythm with a determination that soon had him featured in music videos and supported by sponsorships.
Looking back on his journey, Musa reflected on his experience auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent, where his goal wasn’t fame or victory — it was to connect, to reach out and touch hearts through the universal language of dance. His mantra of "dreams should be big enough to scare you" resonated deeply with the audience, reminding each person that adversity doesn’t close doors; it opens new paths to purpose.
Musa’s parting words was a powerful biblical phrase: "God will never put you in a position to defeat you."
His story, courage, and ability to turn loss into beauty reminded everyone in the room of the strength and grace of embracing life’s most challenging moments.
Here are five takeaways finance professionals can borrow from his 2024 CFO Awards performance:
- Dream big – dreams are there for a reason:
Musa emphasised the power of dreaming big, sharing that dreams must be "scary" to be meaningful. For him, the size of a dream reflects its importance – “if it doesn’t challenge you, it’s not big enough.” - Resilience through life's challenges: From being diagnosed with cancer at age 10 to facing amputation, Musa’s journey is one of unwavering resilience. His positivity, even during chemotherapy, and determination to return to the soccer field two weeks post-amputation exemplifies his incredible strength.
- Embracing identity and overcoming judgment: Despite facing stares and assumptions, Musa ignored how others viewed him and focused on what he could accomplish. He even became "the coolest kid" in school by continuing to play soccer alongside able-bodied children, proving the value of self-confidence and authenticity.
- Dance as a passion, not a competition: Musa’s love for dance transcends fame and accolades. His journey to Britain’s Got Talent, where he performed for esteemed judge Simon Cowell, was never about winning but rather about sharing his passion and connecting with people’s hearts. His humble roots and commitment to dance makes his story even more inspiring.
Everything happens for a reason: Musa’s message is one of hope and faith – that even tough situations are often part of a bigger plan. He believes challenges are meant to teach us or prepare us. Each setback has a purpose for Musa, contributing to his growth and success.
This year’s CFO Awards were hosted in conjunction with Awards partners Decision Inc., Ince, MakwaIT, Marsh, Workday and Old Mutual Corporate. Associate Partners AICPA & CIMA, Allan Gray, and Caseware AdaptIT. Table sponsors were BDO, Coupa, Stanlib, Bridgestone, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Dreyton Glendower, King Price Insurance, Mercedes-Benz, Nedbank, Ory Technical Services, Sanlam, Walter Sisulu University and Zeda.
