Go! Reporter
A breaker displays gravity-defying moves during the Red Bull BC One South Africa Cypher qualifiers. The country’s top B-Boys and B-Girls will battle for the national title in Cape Town on Saturday, 5 September, for a place at the World Final in Toronto. Picture: SUPPLIED.
Nineteen years after South Africa made breaking history by hosting the Red Bull BC One World Final at Soweto’s iconic Orlando Power Station, some of the world’s most celebrated B-Boys are returning to South African soil.
The high-profile visit forms part of the global Red Bull BC One All-Star Tour, which brings international champions directly into local dance studios to train, mentor, and exchange skills with emerging local talent before South Africa crowns its 2026 champions in Cape Town on Saturday, 5 September.
In 2007, 16 of the world’s best B-Boys gathered in Soweto for the Red Bull BC One World Final—marking the first and only time the prestigious global showpiece has been held on the African continent. Nearly two decades later, two-time Red Bull BC One World Champion Lilou of France returns to South Africa alongside fellow international All-Stars Alvin of Colombia, Lee of the Netherlands, and Djibril of Belgium.
Joining the elite international panel is South Africa’s own three-time national champion, DJ, and choreographer, Courtnaé Paul. Paul is participating in the nationwide workshop tour and community exchange events before stepping back onto the battle floor to defend her B-Girl title at the National Final.
Six Decades of Breaking Excellence
The All-Star Tour injects nearly six decades of combined breaking pedigree directly into South Africa’s hip-hop and street dance scene.
French legend Lilou stands as one of only four B-Boys in history to capture the Red Bull BC One World Final title twice, winning in 2005 and 2009. Having competed at the historic 2007 Soweto final, his return marks an emotional homecoming nearly two decades in the making.
Colombia’s Alvin carries the proud legacy of South American breaking, known for his dynamic air power and musicality across two World Final wildcard appearances. Lee, representing the famed Dutch crew The Ruggeds, arrives fresh off his runner-up finish at the 2022 World Final and his appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Rounding out the international contingent is Belgium’s Djibril, renowned globally for his technical “diamond wrist” freezes.
The tour spans four key stops across the country:
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Johannesburg: Saturday, 29 August at TMF Studio in Braamfontein.
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East London: Wednesday, 2 September at Hemingway’s Rooftop Venue (17:00 – 20:00).
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Cape Town: Thursday, 3 September for a community jam and exchange.
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Cape Town Final Workshop: Saturday, 5 September at Workshop 17, Watershed (10:00 – 12:00).
The National Battle Lineup
Following intense regional qualifying cyphers held across East London, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, four B-Girls and 16 B-Boys have earned their places in the National Final:
Top 4 B-Girls:
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Courtnaé (Defending Champion)
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B-Girl Baylie
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Keisha Keesh
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B-Girl Jordin
Top 16 B-Boys:
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Bashi, Swae V, Nanky, Killy, Ranks, Boeraks, Rhythm, Shady, Chillo, Vector, Seeflehx, Jayden, Tankee, Warren, Labster, and Toufeeq.
Courtnaé Paul, who defended her national title back-to-back in 2024 and 2025 and represented South Africa at World Finals in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, emphasized that the rising standard of local talent drives her to keep competing.
“Every year this field gets deeper, and that’s exactly why I keep coming back. Defending a title never gets easier; it gets sharper. I want the B-Girls coming up behind me to see that this stage belongs to us too,” Paul said.
The Road to Toronto
The Red Bull BC One South Africa National Final takes place on Saturday, 5 September at Thibault Square in the Cape Town City Bowl from 14:00 to 20:00, with free entry for the public.
The winning B-Boy and B-Girl crowned in Cape Town will earn the ultimate prize: flying the South African flag at the Red Bull BC One World Final at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, 29 November 2026—marking the first time the global showcase will be hosted on Canadian soil.