Dancer and Choreographer Jeny BSG and UNHCR Launch Dance challenge at Bozar to Spotlight Refugee Resilience

Brussels, 3 June 2025 - International dance icon Jeny Bonsenge – known to millions as Jeny BSG – is turning rhythm into a rallying cry. In partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, she launched a dance challenge at Brussels’ iconic Bozar arts house on 2 June, inviting people everywhere to step up and show their support for refugees in the lead-up to World Refugee Day (20 June).

“I created this dance challenge because I want people to really see refugees, not just as headlines or numbers, but as human beings with talent, strength, and dreams,” Jeny said ahead of the launch. “Many are forced to rebuild their lives from nothing, and yet they keep going. This is my way of honoring that strength and helping shift the narrative.”

The #Dance4Refugees challenge, powered by Jeny’s signature choreography, calls on the global community to replicate the dance - post their videos on social media, and tag others to join. It’s a simple, powerful way to stand in solidarity with the millions of people displaced by conflict, violence, or persecution worldwide.

Join the challenge

"Jeny’s talent extends far beyond dance — her remarkable ability to bring people together is truly invaluable. We admire her decision to share her artistry in support of such an important cause, and we are grateful that she chose Bozar as the stage for this meaningful initiative," said Magdalena Liskova, Bozar Head of Insitutional relations.

“This challenge is about celebrating talents. The talents of refugees, but also our own talents. When we dance together, we show that we are all alike. Nothing distinguishes you or me from someone who had to flee their home to save their life – except the courageous decision to come to our communities to survive. Let’s dance as one community for a brighter future for everyone,” said Jean-Nicolas Beuze, UNHCR Representative to the EU, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal and The Netherlands.

For Jeny, the call to action is personal. Her parents fled the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1990s, and she grew up with a deep understanding of the challenges displaced families face.

Now a household name with millions of followers, a viral 2019 video, and an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jeny uses her platform to spotlight marginalized voices. As a founder of AfroHouseBelgium a Brussels-based dance school and a UNHCR High-Profile Supporter since 2024, she’s now channeling her global influence to amplify the stories of those forced to flee.

This year’s World Refugee Day comes at a critical time. Nearly 123 million people have been forced to flee – including over 43 million refugees. Behind every number is a person who has lost their home to war, violence or persecution.

In places like DRC, over 7.8 million people are displaced – the highest on record. But just when help is needed most, funding is running out. UNHCR has never had so little to work with. Cuts to food, water and shelter are putting lives at even greater risk. Refugees suffer first – and the most.

“We are not just celebrating the resilience of refugees —it’s a call to action,” Jeny emphasized. We need to shift the narrative and put humanity at the center.”

#Dance4Refugees. Join the movement. Dance. Share. Stand with refugees.

World Refugee Day

Held every 20 June, World Refugee Day honors the courage and contributions of refugees worldwide. First marked in 2001 to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the day aims to build empathy and understanding – and to drive action so refugees can not only survive, but thrive.