B-Boy Ranks qualifies for Red Bull BC One Cypher SA finals

Mdantsane’s Azola Mteto, known on the circuit as B-Boy Ranks, has earned a spot at the national finals of the Red Bull BC One Cypher competition after clinching victory in the Eastern Cape qualifier held in KuGompo City at the weekend. The veteran of the local break-dancing scene secured the regional crown in a tense final that showcased the competitors’ technical flair and gritty determination. Mteto, who previously won the Eastern Cape qualifier in 2022 in Gqeberha, described his latest victory as “a privilege” and “crazy”, adding that this second regional title made the achievement especially meaningful because it came on home turf.

“It was amazing because this is my second win at the regional qualifiers. “The first one I won at PE,” Mteto said, reflecting on the emotional weight of performing in front of a supportive local crowd. The final pitted him against a familiar rival, Jabba, in a battle defined by history and mutual respect.

“He and I have a history. We’ve always battled. He beats me, I beat him.

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“It’s never a clear thing between him and I,” Mteto said, describing the match-up as a catalyst to reach his limits and then push beyond them. He said his signature windmills were pivotal throughout the competition, while in the final he landed a decisive headspin that clinched the round. “I was so happy when I caught it. I froze on time like ‘yeah, this is my round’.” Despite juggling the demands of work this year and training on and off, Mteto chose a pragmatic strategy — focusing on moves he could execute cleanly rather than attempting unnecessarily risky tricks.

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