Nigerian B-boy, B-girl triumph at national breakdance championship

B-boy Alpha and B-girl Vicky have emerged victorious at Nigeria’s national breakdance championship, clinching coveted spots for the Olympic debut of breakdancing in Paris this summer

Sweating and grinning, the 29-year-old B-boy Alpha, also known as Salaam Idris, expressed, “This is the dream of every athlete.”

Organized by the French embassy and the Nigerian FAME Foundation, the competition, held in Lagos, showcased Nigeria’s distinctive breakdancing style.

B-girl Vicky, stage name for 26-year-old Victoria Adesoye, triumphed over five competitors, eager to bring the Afro style to the international stage.

She stated, “I want to teach them our originality. I want to teach my style over there.”

Renowned Nigerian breakdancing celebrity and competition juror, JC Jedor, emphasized the rhythmic approach of African dancers.

He noted, “When you come down to Africa, you see that our approach is more rhythmic. We carry groove, we carry rhythm, and we carry our culture along when we dance.”

Despite the meager turnout at the Lagos competition, Flavor Roc, aka Nadine Messias, a prominent figure in French breakdancing and a Lagos competition juror, sees potential for Nigeria’s breakdancing scene.

“Nigerian culture is very rich in its roots,” she said, highlighting the influence of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.

While breakdancing in Nigeria is still in its infancy, with dancers facing challenges like a lack of sponsorship and recognition, the opportunity to participate in the Olympics is seen as a significant milestone.

Funsho Olokesusi, a jury member and director of a dance company in northern Nigeria, acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerian breakdancers but emphasized the sense of community in Lagos, stating, “As Nigerian dancers, we face many challenges, but the opportunity for competitors to come together for the Olympics is a dream come true.”