Cape Flats dance craze takes centre stage as Skeur Hom finalists chase R10 000

A dance craze born on the streets of the Cape Flats has turned into a competition, with 15 dancers through to the finals of the first Skeur Hom contest after a lively qualifying round in Mitchells Plain.

Young and old gathered at Highlands Primary School on Sunday to show off their moves, with R10 000 in total prize money and an exclusive G-Shock watch up for grabs at Thursday evening’s finals at RLabs. The competition aims to give young dancers recognition for a movement that has spread beyond Cape Town.

Cape hip hop pioneer Deon Daniels, better known as DJ Ready D, in partnership with the Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie and the Great Cape Ambassadors Programme (GCAP), held the first competition of its kind in Mitchells Plain.

Young and old came for the opening qualifying round on Sunday at Highlands Primary School, with 15 contestants making it through to the finals on Thursday evening at RLabs.

“The idea came from recognising the incredible cultural movement that young people have created on the streets of Cape Town and the Cape Flats. Skeur Hom has grown beyond its origins and is increasingly visible at events and in commercials.

“We felt it was time to create an official platform where the young people behind this creativity could be recognised, celebrated and given opportunities to develop their talent.

“What excites me about Skeur Hom is that it was not manufactured in a boardroom or handed to young people by an institution. It emerged organically from the streets of Cape Town and the Cape Flats.

“Young people created something that is attracting attention beyond their immediate communities, and that deserves to be taken seriously.”

The team of judges for phase one of the project comprised DJ Sophia; Cassidy, who runs prominent dance competitions; Mel Rock, who has earned national and international recognition as an MC in the dance battle scene; and G Squared, an exciting group of young dancers making waves in the street dance scene.

The grand prize is R10 000 cash, which will be shared as follows:

First prize: R5 000 plus a limited-edition G-Shock watch that has not yet been released in Africa.

Ricardo Mackenzie shared his excitement about the inaugural event as it coincides with the community’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Mackenzie added: “What initially caught my attention was seeing young people creating their own versions of the dance, bringing their own personalities, creativity and energy to a movement that has gained incredible momentum.

“I am particularly happy that this competition is taking place in Mitchells Plain during its 50th-anniversary celebrations. It is an opportunity to honour the community’s history while celebrating a new generation of cultural talent. There is also a broader development opportunity here.

“Ultimately, I want young people across the Western Cape to know that their creativity matters, their cultural contributions are valued, and their talents deserve opportunities to be seen and celebrated.”