The Red Bull Beat Battle 2012 took place this past weekend at Baseline in Newtown as eight dance crews battled it out to see who will be crowned champions. It’s never easy pitting pantsula dance crews vs hip hop dance crews as there’s so much advantage with body movements and dancing styles when it comes to hip hop while pantsulas generally have to use their feet plus it’s not the most versatile of dance styles. Nonetheless, the guys took to stage and competed with last year’s winners “Artistic Intelligence” hoping to defend their title. This was a dream until they got pitted against “V.I.N.T.A.G.E”, an eight member group that is colourful beyond the words colour. Not only did theyI lose to them in the second round of the completion, but they got battled out for the final spot against one of my favourite crew the “Reptilez”. It was at the final stages of this competition that V.I.N.T.A.G.E came out short to the group that won “Masters Of Rhythm” last year that was on Vuzu TV.
The 2012 champs, The Reptilez
Speaking to one of the judges, Lorna Maseko – she reckoned it was a tough competition to judge especially in the final stages. She felt Vintage chosethea wrong piece which was more theatrical for the finals. Another judge Somizi Mhlongo had tears in his eyes and said that the reason he voted for the Reptilez was because he wanted to avoid an unnecessary draw. Well, the way I was taught maths was that if there are 5 judges, you can’t have a draw but I suppose between the MC of the night AKA and the judges, someone didn’t get full marks in Mathematics.
V.I.N.T.A.G.E
Besides being exposed to dancing talent, there were also a few performances from local musicians including a “Durban kwaito” group from Cape Town who’s name I unfortunatley forgot. Good luck to them, I felt they brought nothing worth taking home for me. Pro also took to the stage with Red Button and principal, performing two of my favourite jams from his album “Continua” and the real Durban Kwaito crew, “Big Nuz” took over the stage after at the end. I missed the legendary group, TKZee ‘s performance as I still had an early morning the next day. A wonderful evening courtesy of the Red Bull crew, now how about a case delivered to my office?! Hey, I’m a hustler!
Lorna Maseko
Last year’s winners, Artistic Intelligence
Competition judge, Kabelo “Bouga luv” Mabelane
Black Motion ‘s DJ Murda and Smol
George the Beatboxer
Red Button, Principal and Pro
By: Just Denis
