Dance
Red Bull BC One Cypher
A Symbol of Hope for Nigerian B-boys
Once upon a time, breakdancing and stunting (as Nigerian locals refer to the art of B-boying) were a mainstream phenomenon. By way of classic black American films like Stomp the Yard, Step Up, and You Got Served, the art of B-boying was once the fantasy of an average Nigerian kid. This era, however, phased out in the wake of the modern pro-African movement. Nigerians now more than ever are thrilled by their own authentic culture, and the result of this shift has taken a hit on the popularity of would-be borrowed art, including the Hip-hop culture. Locals place Afrobeats music above Hip-hop music, and Afro-dance is placed above breakdancing and B-boying.
9 min
Breaking in Naija
What then is the reality of the defiant Nigerians that continue to explore their affinity for the art of B-boying? As B-Boy Jcjedor, who stands as one of Nigeria's frontline breakdancers, puts it, Nigerian B-boys are treated as second-class citizens even in the dance ecosystem. "Many times, even in dance groups, breakdancers are only featured in a flash." The need for a platform that is dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating Nigerian B-boys that have stayed true to the cause against the odds is one that had been long overdue.
2019 saw a change as Red Bull's BC One Cypher - a long-running global B-boying contest by Red Bull made its way to Nigeria. The contest combed through some of the country's top universities, scouting for the finest B-boy and girls who had the spirit, skill, and rhythm to represent Nigeria at the world championship. US-based Nigerian B-boy, Gidnasty, emerged the national champion of the Red Bull BC One Cypher and went ahead to hoist the Nigerian flag at the world finals in Mumbai, India.
Nigerians already have the work ethic, all that is needed is resources.
Red Bull BC One Nigeria
© Twelve07studios
Red Bull BC One Nigeria
© Twelve07studios
Red Bull BC One Nigeria
© Twelve07studios
RBBConeNG.jpg
© Twelve07studios
B-boy JcJedor, who served as a judge at the national finals, corroborates Gidnasty's position. According to JcJedor, the Red Bull BC One Cypher is a platform that represents hope. "Nigerian B-boys now have something to look up to every year.".
