After battling close to a 100 other dancers at this years edition of Jibilika Dance Festival and emerging victorious, Panashe ‘Label’ Gabi earned a trip to battle in France and his on his way there now!
The 20 year old is among 14 international guests who will be competing in this year’s Ultimate Rivalskool Battle set for Sunday December 10 in Paris.
“An elated Gabi expressed his confidence in winning the battle in France saying, “I am very confident and prepared for this. I will win it for Zimbabwe and make my country proud.”
The Chitungwiza bred lad had been competing at local competitions for the past six years with no win until he broke the jinx this August.
Jibilika Dance Trust director, Nyaradzo Nhongonhema is upbeat about the participation of Gabi at the battle.
“We are excited about Gabi’s representation in France. He is not just representing Jibilika or the dance fraternity but Zimbabwe as a whole.
“Participating in international battles is just the exposure we need to help us grow as an industry and as Jibilika, we are happy to be pioneers of rendering such platforms to urban dancers. This also signals the growth of our annual festival. We fully stand behind Gabi and wish him all the best.”
Gabi who specializes in krump style is be accompanied by Jibilika’s artistic director and dancer, Blessing Fire who helped with mentorship and preparations for the grand battle.
The Rivalskool Battle is an international Hip-Hop dance competition that was birthed in 2008.
It is a combination of freestyle dance on an exclusively Hip-Hop musical background.
Dancers from France and all over the world face each other through elimination stages. The battle is for talented hip-hop dancers who are good at improvisation and musicality. The ultimate winner will dance away with €400 and a trophy.
