South Korea’s International Breakdancing icons Jinjo Crew thrill in Zimbabwe

Harare, Zimbabwe – The highly anticipated event of the year finally unfolded as Harare International School became a vibrant hub of culture, welcoming an eclectic mix of children, dancers, artists, and diplomats. The legendary Jinjo Crew headlined the evening with a breathtaking performance, perfectly closing the year’s festivities under the theme of celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and South Korea.

earGROUND NETWORK

The showcase opened with a captivating performance by local dance group Bantu, who delivered a thrilling fusion of Afro dance and breakdancing to Julian King’s “One by One.” Their seamless blend of the two styles left the audience in awe, demonstrating the powerful synergy that can emerge from such a creative fusion.

Following the opening performance, speeches set the tone for the cultural celebration. Local breakdancing veteran Fungie Chana of Break Nation expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for organizing such events, noting the positive impact it had on the local arts scene and his personal journey as a breakdancer. He praised the embassy for fostering cultural exchange and enhancing the value of Zimbabwean breakdancing.

Ambassador Park Jae Kyung echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between Zimbabwe and South Korea. He highlighted the series of cultural events hosted by the embassy throughout the year, underscoring their mission to create platforms that promote cultural exchange as a cornerstone of diplomacy.

The audience erupted with excitement as Jinjo Crew took the stage, delivering a series of electrifying performances that seamlessly wove in elements of Korean culture. Some routines featured traditional Korean stories, accentuated by the dancers wearing the iconic “hanbok” attire. The crew’s performances were described as “immersive” and “highly engaging,” captivating the audience with their unique approach.

A standout moment of the evening involved a playful nod to the popular South Korean Netflix series “Squid Game.” Jinjo Crew member B-Boy Wing invited a member of Bantu onto the stage, teaching her breakdancing techniques in a Squid Game-inspired challenge. After successfully completing the routine, she was awarded the symbolic green numbered jacket and joined the crew for a powerful group performance.

The highlight of the night was the cypher, where dancers from Break Nation went head-to-head in an exhilarating freestyle battle, cheered on by Jinjo Crew. The audience erupted in applause, witnessing a historic moment in Zimbabwe’s breakdancing scene.”

As the event drew to a close, Jinjo Crew delivered their final routine, bowing to a standing ovation. The crowd, still buzzing with energy, chanted “encore” in unison. The unforgettable night ended with the promise of Jinjo Crew’s next performance in Nairobi, Kenya, on the 24th of October.