Red Bull Beat Battle Champions 2011

19 November 2011, The Blue Room in Johannesburg saw eight crews battle it out for the title of Red Bull Beat Battle 2011 champions.  

Bringing together a wide range of urban dance styles, from the rhythmic toe-tapping of pantsula, the energetic flair of hip hop, the harsh and expressive movements of Krump, to the unique acrobatic South African take on breakdancing, the Red Bull Beat Battle is set to uplift South African dance culture – making it a platform for the local dance scene to showcase itself.

The crews were given the opportunity to work with some of the best choreographers and producers in the business, with South African choreographer, singer and actor, Somizi Mhlongo, taking the lead in helping them produce their pieces for the final. Here they were judged on their style, creativity and overall crowd reaction.

“Red Bull has created a unique platform which is an amazing opportunity for the local dance scene to express itself and for more South Africans to appreciate the wealth of talent we have in this country” says Somizi.

The crews that went toe-to-toe In front of a crowd of over 1000 spectators were: Afro Tribal Dance Movement (Freestyle), Artistic Intelligence (Hip Hop), Genesis Kings (Krump), Real Actions (Pantsula), Royal Fam Kings (Krump), Shakers & Movers (Pantsula), Soweto’s Finest (iSbhujwa), and Ubuntu (B-boys) - all selected through a rigorous process and widely recognised in each of their respective genres.

All crews battled hard and clean, but it was Ubuntu up against Artistic Intelligence in the final round.

Cape Town’s Ubuntu crew is headed up by Duane Lawrence, the first b-boy to win the B-Boy Cup in France for two consecutive years. He founded the crew almost 13 years ago and now shares leadership of the crew with his brother, Jed. Seen as pioneers in the local hip hop scene, Ubuntu helped to establish the local SA Hip Hop Cup - a platform for South African b-boys to battle their way to the World Champs.

Artistic Intelligence was previously known as Clash 91 and affectionately called A.I., started out as four soloists - all specialising in various styles of dance including the likes of hip-hop, popping, locking, dancehall and salsa.  The group, that is now nine members strong, is much like a family. Spending multiple hours perfecting their routines has bonded them into a tight and polished team.

After much anticipation the winner was announced, and it’s well done to. . . Artistic Intelligence for taking the first Red Bull Beat Battle title!

Well-respected local b-boy and judge Vouks Nojokes commented: ‘First of all big ups to all of the crews for making it onto the Red Bull Beat Battle stage, which on its own is an achievement! The two finalists, Artistic Intelligence and Ubuntu came, danced and conquered as they truly represented what Red Bull Beat Battle is all about. At the end of the day there can only be one winner. Congrats to A.I. on their victory!’

Artistic Intelligence claim that winning the Red Bull Beat Battle has made their somewhat testing 2011 into one of the best years that they’ve ever had ‘The thought of being the Beat Battle champs is crazy and we fought really hard for this title’ said Tumi Trent of A.I.

Red Bull Beat Battle, in association with Yfm, will continue to bring dancers from around SA together to uplift local street dance culture.

Calling all crews for 2012
Registration to enter Red Bull Beat Battle 2012 has already begun, so get your crew together and make it happen! Eight of the best crews from around the country will be selected from regional qualification rounds so head to www.redbullbeatbattle.co.za to make sure you’re in the running.