A Zimbabwean breakdance crew ‘Zina’ won first place at the 17th edition of the Africa Hip Hop Indaba (AHHI) held in Cape Town, South Africa over the weekend.

The ‘Heal the Hood’ run African Hip Hop Indaba provides a platform for the Expression of Positive Youth Culture and showcases all the elements of Hip Hop.

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The crew took pole position in the new school groups category taking home some prize money, a certificate and an opportunity to do more projects with the AHHI. Breakdancer Blessing Fire, affectionately known as B-boy Christyles took Third place in the fiercely contested B-boy solo dance category.

The ten-member group working under the tutelage of founder Joshua Saunyama of LYF STYLE dance company beat more than 20 other groups drawn from around South Africa to clinch the number one spot.

The youthful Zina comprises of seven male and three female dancers who specialise in Hip Hop. The group also incorporates other elements in dances and productions such as african, modern, contemporary, Bollywood, dancehall, ballet and acrobatic genres making them an all-round dance ensemble.

The ensemble comprises of members namely Tasnim Mahomed, Panashe Munemo, Tawanda kaseke, Blessing Fire, Gina Machaya, Pia Ragadoo, Leroy Guta, Brendon Chisongorere, Denzil Salijana and the leader Joshua Saunyama.

An elated Joshua spoke to Zimbo Jam from Cape Town about their game plan: ” The team put in months of preparation and rehearsal. Our strategy was to think differently and bring a whole new level of choreography, power and performance. We knew being in a foreign land already the odds were against us so the only formula was to have a performance that stood out from all the other crews there.”

He added on to say that the event’s preliminary round had more than 20 crews taking part and only 10 progressed to the second round. Thereafter they picked top four to battle then top two for a final showdown which saw the Zimbabwean group beating all competition.

The win means a lot to the group and a legion of enthusiastic dancers at home who yearn to win at an international platform. The team was so hyped and excited at their win and collectively said, “An international title is every dancer’s dream. We are also inspired and learnt a lot from other dancers we encountered.”

The accolade is testimony to what Zimbabwean dance is capable of, the talent and skill possessed can yield great results if the energy is well changed and complemented with local support.

Blessing Fire said the win is affirmation that he was now ready for the RedBull BC1 championships which is the world’s biggest solo breakdance contest. The sentiment was supported by fellow dancer Tawanda Kaseke saying, “The feeling is great. It makes us want more and we are happy that finally our hard work has paid off. The fact that we won in a foreign country makes the feeling even more ecstatic.”

Group leader Saunyama had a parting word for other dancers, “Never stop pushing towards your goals as a performer. You might not see results now but in good time they will be realised. Don’t stop developing yourself. Put time, do the work, push the hours and great results will come out. Remember, you are only as big as the territory you conquer.”