Courtnae Paul is a highly acclaimed creative consultant, dance professional and DJ with a strong passion for business, she also runs an entertainment company that specializes in all things performance, creative direction and conceptualization.
Before she became the award-winning, internationally acclaimed B-Girl, choreographer, and DJ she was a young girl from Durban, South Africa, breaking barriers of the society. Growing up in Red Hill, her earliest memories are of lively family gatherings filled with impromptu performances by her and her sisters — singing and dancing, embedding in her a love for the arts. These vibrant childhood moments sparked a passion that shaped her future and led to extraordinary success. They prepared her for a journey marked by perseverance and resilience.
Besides the arts, she excelled in gymnastics, kickboxing, and soccer. At 21, she moved to Gauteng, determined to cement her name as a leader of dance in South Africa. Her journey was not without challenges, but her unwavering commitment to authenticity and respect for her craft set her apart. Throughout her career, this girl of all trades has remained steadfast in her mission to make the world a better place. She embodies love and empathy, striving to uplift and create opportunities for her community – all with a massive smile on her face.
Her journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself and the impact one can have when driven by passion and purpose, this has led her to become an important voice for sports, art, and culture in Africa. Her story is one of triumph over adversity, a celebration of individuality, and a powerful reminder that true success comes from embracing who you are and using your talents to uplift others.
Achievements of Courtnae Paul
Award Winning four-time South African Breaking Champion.
Red Bull BC One Ambassador
Ranked as the highest African across male and female categories in the debut Olympic Qualifier Series 2024.
Head judge on 2 seasons of SABC 1’s Break Da Beat.
Choreographed and mentored on “Dance Africa Dance” on DSTV’s ZEE World.
Choreographed on/for platforms such as the GSport Awards, DSTV MVC Awards, Channel O Awards, Netflix SA as well as a welcome for Sir Richard Branson.
Opening act for international artists like Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Fatman Scoop, Rae Sremmurd, Burna Boy, and Omarion.
Collaborated with top South African talents like Kwesta, Moonchild Sanelly, Sho Madjozi, Khuli Chana, and the late AKA.
Debut EP “Got Next” released during the 2020 lockdown.
Hosted online show “Spare Room Sessions” with over 600,000 views.
South African Hip Hop Award nomination for DJ of the Year.
Performed at Back to the City, Rocking the Daisies, Brutal Fruit Brunch, Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final, and more.
B-Girl | DJ | National South African Athlete
Award winning 4x South African Champ
2 times African Champ
SAHHA DJ of the Year Nominee
Forbes Woman Africa 2024
Her dedication to touring and playing mixes on radio stations are just two of the reasons she bagged her first South African Hip Hop Award nomination for DJ of the Year.
With a flair for business, she proudly runs CP Entertainment (Pty) Ltd – a high-end entertainment company that specializes in all things performance, creative direction and conceptualization. She knows all about bringing the wow-factor to every project by offering services to both commercial and corporate industries with clients spanning from top local and international artists, to advertising agencies, corporate year ends and award shows.
CPE’s most recent projects include being an entertainment sponsor at the 2024 Forbes Africa Leading Women’s Summit, surprise act at the G-Star RAW X Burna Boy collab launch, and being part of Astron Energy’s nationwide launches. Other prominent clients under CPE’s belt include Forbes Leading Women Summit, Hennessy, Comic’s Choice Awards and Estee Lauder.
Fresh faced Entertainment Powerhouse she is a pioneer for SA female break dancers and dancers alike. She has grown to be a force to be respected in the entertainment industry.
Born and bred in Durban, and now conquering Johannesburg, Courtnae’ aged 25 has a long list of clients and accolades in both the corporate and commercial world. She has worked on projects as creative director, entertainment producer, choreographer and performer for brands such as Mercedes Benz, VW, G.H.Mumm, Land Rover, Play Energy Drink, Sprite, Jeep, Absa, Telkom, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Old mutual, KFC, Cell C, Vuzu, Dove, and Castle Lite.
She has also opened for, and shared the stage with international artists such as Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Jay Sean, Akon, Fatman Scoop, Rae Sremmurd, Banky W, Burna Boy and Omarion, as well as toured, choreographed and performed with local artists such as Toya Delazy, Reason, Lloyd Cele, Tamara Dey, Mafikizolo, The Graeme Watkins Project, George Avakian, iFani, Khuli Chana, Da L.E.S, AKA, Heavy K, Micasa, Rouge, Major League Djz, and Anatii. She has even lead and choreographed Cell C’s latest commercial campaigns and a welcome for Sir Richard Branson.
Courtnae’ brought in the new year playing 4 events in Dubai, including headlining a NYE party at The Millennium Hotel, Dubai, as well as teaching guest workshops in Phuket, Thailand and Bali. She has a weekly segment, Court-Side on Touch HD Online Radio, and she is also currently the resident judge on SABC 1’s 13EP reality dance show, Break Da Beat.
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Courtnae Paul an exceptionally talented South African Break dancer, Multifaceted Personality and exceptional achiever here she talks about her fitness routine, her diet, and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You were born in Durban, South Africa and where did you have your early education? Breakdancing or breaking, also called b-girling (women), is a style of street dance originated by African Americans and Puerto Ricans in the Bronx. Breaking is the only new sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics. During your early childhood at lively family gatherings you along with your sisters performed impromptu performances like singing and dancing. This later propelled your career to the height where you have been a leading South Africa Break dancer and becoming four times South African Breaking Champion. Tell us more about your professional journey of exceptional hard work, tenacity, and endurance?
Courtnae Paul:
Growing up, my home was always buzzing with music and laughter. My family knew how to have a good time! While I didn’t get into dance and breaking until my teens, I was always a sporty kid. I played team sports like soccer and netball, and individual sports like gymnastics, kickboxing, and athletics. I often joke that this eclectic mix of interests shaped me into the breaker and athlete I am today.
My professional dance journey began when I was 15, at Northlands Girls High. I stumbled upon an audition call for a Bollywood show at Sun coast Casino, and despite having no formal training or experience; I decided to give it a shot. To my surprise, I landed the job and was even cast as a choreographer and soloist. This was my first taste of thinking on my feet and staying calm under pressure.
Fast-forward to today, and my journey remains true to its roots. As a female breaker in a male-dominated industry, I’ve faced my share of challenges. But what we lack in structure and recognition, we make up for in our passion and perseverance.
People often assume the entertainment industry is glamorous and effortless, but the reality is far from it. Behind the scenes, it’s hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. Despite the challenges, my love for dance, sport, and culture only grows stronger. I feel a deep responsibility to give back to the culture that has given me so much, and to pave the way as best as I can for the next generation.
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