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The group, in a collaborative act with fellow dance crew, Break Equation, recently shared the stage with seasoned traditional groups Iyasa and Umkhathi at the just-ended Intwasa Arts Festival in a marathon dance and song medley that fused elements from different genres.
In an interview, group member Ricco Andrews said the group was looking to collaborate further with Break Equation as the experience they had gained from rubbing shoulders with the break dance crew was invaluable.
“The experiment was worthwhile, as we were able to gain a lot from the experience of sharing the stage with them. The mixture of styles stands us in good stead for the future,” he said.
He said the group will not only be looking at collaborations locally, but will look to combine with national and international acts as well.
Andrews pointed to the upcoming collaboration with one of the biggest crump crews in South Africa Buck Fam who have featured regularly on SABC shows Jam Alley and Battle Station.
“We will be working with Buck Fam who are probably the best crump crew in Johannesburg. Working with them will help us help sharpen our skills because they are one of the best crews that side,” said Andrews.
Fellow group member Victor Icon said the crew was honoured to share the stage with the likes of Iyasa, as it made them feel like real artistes.
He said hip-hop dance was a very much under- estimated genre in Bulawayo and performing on such platforms with groups who have toured extensively will only be to their benefit.
“Performing with such renowned groups made us feel really appreciated. On stage we felt like real artistes and that is how we want to be looked at by the public in general,” he said.
Icon said although they were a hip-hop dance crew they have always incorporated elements of local culture into their act.
He said from here onwards traditional elements would form a big part of their dance routines.
“We have been including traditional elements in our routines, but it has not been as emphasised as we want to make it now.
“Our act will include a lot of traditional adornments in the future because we want to grow as artistes,” he said.
The group will in the coming months be conducting workshops to teach the basics of dance, both theoretically and in practice while their plans are afoot to create a junior section of the group that will look at those between the age group of 15 to 20.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo