He instructs students in B-Boying and talks about the B-Boying scene in the country, and how it could improve. He also peppers the conservation with a few examples of how beat boxing is done; demonstrating what emcee with the beat sounds like.[break]
So, how did B-Boying and beat boxing come about?
I was still in school when I came across beat boxing in an MTV program after which I practiced for three months before giving up. It was difficult. However, I did pursue it on and off, and sometime around 2007, one of my friends introduced me to Joseph Polpo who continues to amaze and inspire me. That’s when I started working on it seriously.
B- Boying happened through a friend in 2007. He learnt it in school and he’s basically the one who taught me the moves. I was in a group called the Doom Squad in the beginning but after a competition organized by Nepal Breakdance Foundation, we came together from different groups to form Everest Crew in 2009.
What’s it like to be a B-Boy in Nepal?
It requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Those of us who do power moves practice for three hours every morning and two hours more in the evening. And it’s three hours of daily practice for those of us who do footwork.
B- Boying is pretty popular right now. The documentary Planet B- Boy started hype here. There are so many little kids who can put up a good head spin. If you practice enough, participate in competitions and show that you have the skills to instruct, you can even make a living out of it. The point is to put yourself out there, and you’ll be earning not just your pocket money.
There are crews in Dharan, Pokhara, Birgunj and Biratnagar. Even in Dang and Surkhet, we have B-Boys. Nepal Breakdance Foundation often sends instructors there for a week or two.
Does beat boxing have the same reach? When did you start performing?
Beat boxing is still a fresh concept in Nepal. Though there are few guys trying their hand at it, it’s not enough to call it a culture yet. I performed for the first time in public in 2008 during a B-Boy dance competition. The reaction from the audience was pretty cool. They were kind of stunned and many thought the sounds were coming from the sound box and not me. I’ve had people checking the CD box to see if I’m not faking it.
Of the two, which do you prefer and why?
I enjoy doing both because they are different and give me equal amount of pleasure in different ways. B-Boying is a lot of physical and mental work as well as being risky. It’s important to learn to take safety precautions. When I’m performing with my crew I feel the hype and the vibe from the crowd. There’s a lot of noise and cheer. In beat boxing it’s different because the crowd is amazed. They dance to my beat.
What is that one important thing that all B-Boys should know?
Knowledge about the basics is important as is the ability to be in sync with the beat.
How do Nepal B-Boy crews fare compared to other countries?
Internationally B-Boy has been there for more than 20 years and compared to that we have just taken baby steps. Plus we lack their diet, practice routines and world renowned instructors that could really help us. We don’t even have good space to practice. A few countries are also supported by their governments. Regular competitions, international programs and interaction with other B-Boys and judges would really help us. That’s how we learn new moves actually.
What have you got lined up?
Everest Crew completes four years on June 22 and we’re hosting a competition to mark the occasion. There will be a seven to smoke battle for the first time in Nepal where a participant will be up against seven guys. We’ve invited some groups from India, too. Then in September, we will be participating in the Southeast Asia B-Boy Championship in Thailand.
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