Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
24 March 2025
Justin Phahlane (31) from Pieterskraal in Mpumalanga is a unique artist who has perfected the technique of using his body to create art through contortion.
Phahlane, popularly known as “The Rubberman”, started to develop and perform his artistic craft of contortion at the age of 13 at school, where they were requested to showcase their talents as learners.
“My peers took to the stage to sing and dance, but I had jaws on the floor with my bending and twisting. Some people called it magic, as I recall the crowd’s roar of encouragement and my own feeling of accomplishment, which was enough for me to know that this was something I wanted to do and literally never looked back,” said Phahlane.
Phahlane is also passionate about farming, and although he is currently a small farmer, he manages to make time to showcase his talent as a contortionist in order to fulfil his dreams of performing overseas and also train other young people in this unique body art.
“Young people must work hard, follow their dreams and passion, stay focused and be resilient,” he said.
He was featured on national TV shows including the YoTV show on SABC 1, the Morning Live show on SABC 3, TOMZ on SABC 2, and the Frenzy show on ETV.
He also showcased his skills at multiple international events, including the International Sexpo, the Tshwane Hindu Cultural Festival in 2024, and the International Agricultural and Commercial Show in Zambia.
In closing, Phahlane explained that one does not need to be double-jointed to be a contortionist, but it does require a great deal of stretching and practice.
