Red Bull BC One

Moroccan B-Boy Lil Zoo Takes the Prize in Marrakesh

The Red Bull BC One crowned the B-Boy champion of the Middle East and Africa in Marrakesh last night. B-Boy Lil Zoo from Casablanca of Morocco’s famous crew Lhiba Kingzoo took the coveted title home and will be representing the region at the Word Finals in Rio de Janeiro this December. Around 1.000 B-Boys and fans came out to the Moroccan-style open-air arena, set up in the iconic Theatre Royal de Marrakech to cheer on their heroes.

It was a heated battle from the start, but Lil Zoo marched through round after round, defeating his opponents with power and style, to go up against Algerian B-Boy Chakal in the final.

Red Bull BC One All Star, officiating champion, and jury member Roxrite from the USA explained the victory of the young B-Boy, “He clearly dominated every round. He has great style, had the better tactics, and is just a very talented all-round B-Boy. He’s only 18-years old and it’s clear he will go very far!”

The Middle East Africa Qualifier is the first Red Bull BC One event to unite competitors from 15 different countries in one unique battle. It was the first time, that B-Boys from the Middle East battled against dancers from Africa in a Red Bull BC One Qualifier, and even though they were all exited about the opportunity to meet, share and learn from each other, the rivalry was tangible throughout the days preceding the competition. It proved to be a very heated battle among the B-Boys, and in the end only one would earn a spot in the prestigious Red Bull BC One world championship.

The 16 contestants had spent the last two days exploring Marrakesh and its surroundings together. The new friends went jet skiing on Lac Takerkoust, explored the legendary souk of Jamaa el Fna, and enjoyed a magical evening at Chez Ali with delicious Moroccan food and a spectacular traditional Fantasia show. But in the end they knew they would have to face each other in battle Friday night.

Red Bull BC One All Star Ronnie stated, “This was my first trip to Morocco. I had an amazing time here. The country is beautiful, the people are friendly and the whole culture is very inspiring. The battle was totally exciting! I never expected the level to be so high! The B-Boys of Middle East and Africa have come a long way!”

As Moroccan B-Boy Yoriyas put it, “Morrocco has a lively B-Boy scene. It started in the beginning of the 90s in Casablanca and up to this day, 50% of the B-Boys live in Casablanca with the rest scattered all over the country. The number of B-Boys started to decrease within the last two years. We are lacking new blood. But with an event like the Red Bull BC One in our country, we are finally getting the recognition that we need and that will help to grow the scene and inspire a whole new generation of B-Boys!”

Winner B-Boy Lil Zoo, smiling from ear to ear said, “This was the greatest experience ever! I feel so lucky! Now I’ll be going to Rio de Janeiro in December to represent my crew and my country, what an adventure! I will give my best and am really looking forward to that great experience!”