Instax interviews Elvina “Vee” Da Silva – Judge at FUJIFILM INSTAX Undisputed Masters
12 December 2024
The international FUJIFILM INSTAX Undisputed Masters breaking competition is heading to Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) on 18 January 2025! We caught up with the incredible DJ Ready D, one of the DJs at the event, to chat about the importance of music during competition.
How important is the DJ in getting the crowd hyped up at a breaking event such as the FUJIFILM INSTAX Undisputed Masters?
The DJ is the heartbeat of any breaking event. Their role is not just to provide music but to create a high-energy atmosphere that fuels the dancers and engages the audience. The DJ’s track selection, timing, and ability to read the room directly influence the crowd’s energy and the dancers’ performance.
A skilled DJ can elevate the event from good to unforgettable, making the synergy between the DJ, dancers, and audience essential.
Dancers can’t bring their own music and don’t know, in advance, what music will be played during their rounds. Are there any aspects you take into consideration when playing during a battle?
Absolutely. The key is to maintain a balance between familiarity and unpredictability. The music needs to have a strong rhythm and groove that dancers can instantly connect with, while also keeping it dynamic enough to challenge their creativity.
I also consider the tempo, transitions, and breaks in tracks, ensuring they complement the intensity of the battle and provide opportunities for the dancers to showcase their skills. Crowd engagement is another factor – tracks that excite the audience add to the energy of the battle.
Which song do you feel is essential to play during each breaking event?
While there isn’t a single song that fits every event, tracks like “The Mexican” by Babe Ruth or “Apache” by the Incredible Bongo Band are often staples. They’re classics in the breaking community because of their timeless grooves, prominent breaks, and ability to get both dancers and the crowd hyped. These tracks embody the essence of Hip Hop culture and provide a solid foundation for explosive moves and creative expression.
Could you explain the difference between a DJ and a Turntablist?
A DJ’s primary role is to select and mix tracks that create an engaging flow, often reading the crowd to keep the energy alive. A turntablist, on the other hand, focuses on using the turntables as instruments, showcasing technical skills like scratching, beat juggling, and creating live remixes. While all turntablists are DJs, not all DJs are turntablists.
At breaking events, the best DJs often combine both approaches – keeping the energy high while adding layers of creativity to the performance.
What has got you most excited about FUJIFILM INSTAX Undisputed Masters coming to Cape Town?
It’s thrilling to see a global event like this celebrating breaking in Cape Town, a city with such a rich history in Hip Hop culture. It’s an opportunity to showcase our local talent on an international stage while connecting with top-tier dancers, DJs, and enthusiasts from around the world.
The event will highlight the unique energy and creativity that Cape Town brings to the culture, and being part of such a momentous occasion is both an honour and an inspiration.
Come and experience FUJIFILM INSTAX Undisputed Masters for free!
Date: Saturday January 18th, 2025
Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Schedule:
Open Qualifier: 13:00 – 17:00
Main Event: 18:00 – 21:00
Entrance: Free of charge and all ages are welcome.
