The 2024 Kenya edition of the Red Bull Dance Your Style competition, the world’s premier urban street dance contest, culminated in a thrilling finale this past weekend in Nairobi on August 10, 2024. Held at SK8city Diamond Plaza II, the event saw an intense showdown, with Samuel Brian from The Legitz dance crew clinching the title after a fierce final battle against first runner-up Pessa Vanessa.
The event attracted a packed audience, including key figures from Kenya’s vibrant dance scene—choreographers, dance groups, influencers, media, and passionate fans of urban dance. The energy in the venue was palpable as spectators eagerly anticipated the crowning of Kenya’s top urban street dancer.
After being named Kenya’s ultimate urban dance champion, Samuel Brian expressed his elation, stating, “The competition was not just epic but exceeded all my expectations. Reaching this point and securing this win highlights the immense talent within Kenya’s dance industry. I applaud Red Bull Dance Your Style for setting such a high standard with every edition.” He also encouraged aspiring dancers to remain dedicated to their craft, advising, “Stay committed to your faith and keep practicing diligently—there is no other way to succeed.”
The journey to the finals began in March, with the launch event featuring Stalamuerte, an international Red Bull dancer and world champion from Switzerland. From there, the competition took a nationwide tour, with a series of electrifying battles held in key cities across Kenya, including Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nairobi, to uncover the country’s most talented urban street dancers. The search culminated in last weekend’s national finals, where top winners from previous qualifiers and wild cards selected through online auditions battled it out for the coveted title.
Samuel Brian will now represent Kenya in the global finals set to take place in Mumbai, India, on November 9, 2024. He will compete against dancers from 51 countries for the chance to become the world champion of Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024.
Red Bull Dance Your Style is unique in that there are no official judges; instead, the audience plays the decisive role in determining the winner. Spectators vote by holding up red or blue placards after each battle, choosing the dancer who impresses them the most. Participants must showcase their authenticity, creativity, and musicality while adapting to unpredictable music selections provided by the DJ. The competition welcomes all urban dance styles except breakdancing, challenging dancers to adapt on the fly and win over the crowd with their flair and skill.
Red Bull Kenya continues to be a significant supporter of dance talent in the country, helping to develop local dance communities and giving them exposure on the global stage. This year marks the fifth edition of Red Bull Dance Your Style in Kenya, a testament to the growing influence and success of this international mixed-style dance competition within the Kenyan dance scene.
