Tasha Ghouri’s rise to fame on Love Island in 2022 was nothing short of extraordinary. From an unassuming participant on the popular dating show to a beloved public figure, her journey has captivated audiences across the globe. However, fans of the Strictly Come Dancing star were recently taken aback as a previously unearthed music video from years before her time on the reality TV stage revealed an entirely new side to the performer. The video, which features Tasha in a collaboration with deaf dancers, shines a light on her early work in the music industry and her commitment to promoting awareness for the deaf community.
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Tasha, who has always been candid about her life as a deaf individual, has continuously used her platform to raise awareness and advocate for inclusivity and equality for those in the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. But it was in a 2020 music video for Sleepwalkers’ song More Than Words that Tasha first showcased her talents on a larger stage. The video was a powerful collaboration, bringing together deaf and hard-of-hearing dancers in a performance that transcended music, relying on an entirely different form of connection with sound: vibration.
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A Pioneering Performance
In the More Than Words music video, Tasha appears alongside a group of talented deaf dancers, all of whom interpret the music through movement that reflects how they physically feel the rhythm and melody. The opening of the video immediately makes this unique approach clear with a powerful statement: “All the dancers in this video are deaf and hard of hearing. Their routine is an interpretation of how they FEEL the music.”
The video, which has garnered an impressive 675,000 views and over 6,500 likes, features Tasha and her fellow dancers performing a highly synchronized street dance sequence that captivates the viewer’s attention from the start. The choreography is intricate and sharp, emphasizing the emotional connection that the dancers have with the music rather than simply following the beat. For those unfamiliar with how deaf individuals experience music, the video provides a profound and insightful perspective into their world, showcasing that music isn’t just something you hear—it’s something you feel.
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Raising Awareness for the Deaf Community
Tasha’s involvement in the More Than Words video not only displayed her dancing ability but also marked her first significant public stance in advocating for the inclusion of the deaf community in mainstream media. The project’s clear intention was to challenge the perceptions surrounding disability and to highlight the talent and creativity that often goes unnoticed in the deaf community.
For Tasha, this experience was more than just a job—it was an opportunity to showcase the abilities of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and to break down the barriers that so often prevent disabled individuals from reaching their full potential in artistic and professional endeavors. She said of the project, “It was so incredible to be part of a video that focused on bringing deaf dancers to the forefront. We get the chance to tell our own stories and show the world that we too can be powerful forces in the world of dance and music.”
The video struck a chord with many viewers, sparking meaningful discussions about representation and inclusivity. One viewer remarked, “This is amazing. It’s a wonderful way to bring attention to the deaf community while also celebrating their talent and resilience. More artists should do this.” Another added, “The music, the choreography, and the intention behind this video are simply brilliant. It deserves far more attention than it has received.”
Tasha Ghouri’s Advocacy Beyond the Spotlight
While her participation in the More Than Words video marked a pivotal moment in her career, Tasha’s advocacy for the deaf community didn’t stop there. Born deaf, Tasha received a cochlear implant just before her fifth birthday. She faced a difficult early childhood, spending her formative years communicating entirely in British Sign Language and not speaking until the age of five. Despite these challenges, she overcame them with determination, learning to speak and engage with the world in a way that many thought was impossible for someone with her condition.
Tasha has always been vocal about her journey and the challenges she faced. In her role as a public figure, she has used her platform to push for greater inclusion of disabled individuals in various industries, advocating for the deaf to be seen not as individuals with limitations but as people capable of achieving extraordinary things. Her activism has been instrumental in pushing the entertainment industry to consider diversity and representation in a more meaningful way.
This year, Tasha took another significant step in her advocacy work by releasing her debut romance novel Hits Different. The book centers around a woman who uses her disability as a source of empowerment, refusing to let it define her limitations. Tasha’s novel echoes her own life philosophy and sends a strong message about how the deaf community should be viewed—not as people who need help but as individuals who can achieve greatness in their own right.
In Hits Different, Tasha creates a protagonist who challenges stereotypes and navigates life with confidence, resilience, and the refusal to be defined by societal expectations. The book has received praise for its raw and honest portrayal of the intersection between disability and self-worth, with many readers finding it to be both inspiring and empowering.
Tasha’s ability to balance her career in entertainment with her advocacy work is something that continues to earn her admiration. She has also become a leading voice for inclusivity in fashion, appearing at various events where she continues to use her public platform to raise awareness and support causes related to the deaf and disabled communities.
From Love Island to Strictly Come Dancing
While Tasha’s breakthrough moment came on Love Island, her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing has allowed her to continue captivating the public with her charisma, grace, and talent. Paired with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, Tasha has consistently impressed the judges, receiving high scores for her performances and showing off her undeniable chemistry with her partner.
Tasha’s journey on Strictly has been a testament to her perseverance and passion for dance, proving that she is much more than just a reality TV star. Her background as a dancer and her advocacy work provide her with a unique platform to make a lasting impact, not only in the entertainment industry but also in the ongoing fight for inclusivity and recognition of the deaf community.
Her appearance in More Than Words and her ongoing work as an advocate for the deaf community highlight the multifaceted nature of her career. Far from being just another reality TV personality, Tasha Ghouri is becoming a powerful force for change in the entertainment world and beyond. Through her work, she is reminding the world that talent and determination have no boundaries—and that the deaf community has as much to offer as any other.
Tasha Ghouri’s story is one of empowerment, resilience, and defying expectations. From her music video appearance that put deaf talent on display to her role on Strictly Come Dancing and her literary endeavors, Tasha continues to break barriers, challenge norms, and inspire others to embrace their uniqueness. Her unwavering commitment to promoting equality and amplifying the voices of those who are often overlooked is truly remarkable, and it’s clear that her journey is only just beginning.
