After touring Eldoret, Mombasa and Kisumu, Red Bull Dance Your Style finally held the Nairobi leg of the competition last weekend (13 July 2024) at the Junction Mall. The event, attended by the dance community and enthusiasts alike, drew significant attention and brought back a spark on Nairobi’s entertainment and events scene.
The signature dance battle sessions saw Samuel Brian emerge the winner and Meshack Omondi take first runner-up position. The winner, Samuel Brian, shares, “The competition was far more intense than I had expected, but I triumphed, which is incredibly satisfying. I am now confident in my ability to win the national finals trophy. With dedicated practice and faith, I trust in God’s plan,” adding, “Showcasing my art on such an iconic platform and after that, networking with dancers of all diversities was an invaluable experience.” The other two dancers who made it to the semi-finals, Irene Shishi and Anthony Kiplimo will also get the opportunity to shine at the upcoming national finals.
The next stop for Red Bull Dance Your Style is the official national finals in Nairobi (10 August 2024) – that will bring all the top winners and selected wild cards from recently concluded qualifier and online audition events for the ultimate battle. The winner from the national finals will represent Kenya at the world finals happening in Mumbai, India for the world finals this November.
The competition has no judges because the crowd decides who wins by voting for their favorite dancers by holding up blue or red placards to choose a winner, after each battle. Dancers are expected to bring their authenticity, attitude and creativity alongside freestyle and musical skills in the competition that allows all urban dance styles except for break dancing. The DJ plays unpredictable music as the dancers adapt and flaunt their style to impress the crowd.
Red Bull Kenya continues to support dance talent in Kenya and upskill local dance communities while exposing them to different levels of dance on a global stage through the international mixed-style dance competition (on its fifth Kenyan edition this year).
