NAT-190731-Aivinhenyor-etinosa-lucky-(Read-Only)
Aivinhenyor 'Lucky' Etinosa Image Credit: Supplied

Abu Dhabi: Lucky, the dancing street cleaner, has told Gulf News that he often busts a move while on the job because he is just happy to be living and working in the UAE.

“Back home in Nigeria it’s very difficult,” said the 26-year-old, who became an internet sensation on Sunday when a video of him grooving away while at work in Abu Dhabi went viral on social media.

A passerby recorded and posted the clip on Twitter and, at the time of writing, it had garnered more than 14,000 likes and 4,000 retweets.

“My father died when I was 3 years old, so I had to work hard to support my family,” added Lucky, who is unmarried and the second youngest of eight children.

NAT-190731-Dancing-Street-Cleaner-(Read-Only)
A video of a cleaner dancing in Abu Dhabi has touched the hearts of UAE residents. Image Credit: Screengrab

“Back home job opportunities are very few and it is difficult to find work, so I just feel fortunate to be working for my family.

“I’ve only been in the UAE four months but I’m so excited to be at work that I just dance. I’m always happy whatever I do.

“Anything you do, you have to give thanks,” said the street cleaner who gets two Fridays off a month and earns under Dh1,500.

“I wasn’t planning to do this work, my experience is in computers, but I’m sincerely happy in any work I do. I enjoy living in the UAE and being here never makes me feel bad. It’s much better here than where I come from.”

Asked about his newfound fame, he said: “I’ve got no choice but to be happy and continue praying for the favour of God. If he wants to favour me he will and with this I believe he has favoured me.

“I was so surprised to see it went viral, a lot of people contacted me to say I have good vibes and rhythm, and I’m delighted by all the comments. My family haven’t seen it yet but I’m sure they will be proud.”