Samoa’s best Dance Crew in 2019

By Yumi Epati Tala’ave 13 January 2019, 12:00AM

They have done it again. 

The “Army of Kins” crew from Vaiala has been heralded Samoa’s Best Dance Crew for 2019, defending the title they won last year.

On top of the accolades, money and prizes they collected during the final of the TV1 contest at the C.C.C.S.

Youth Hall on Saturday night, the group secured themselves the covetous ticket to represent Samoa at the Hip Hop South Pacific Dance competition in New Zealand.

Group leader, Numia Viliamu, was overwhelmed.

“Being back to back champions is very overwhelming for us,” he said. “You know when we came here tonight, we wanted to defend our title but we knew we had to do the best we can because the competition was very tough. 

“But every good thing comes with a lot of challenges and I thank God He helped us all the way.”

Mr. Viliamu said they were very disciplined in their preparations.

 “It wasn’t easy coming back here especially with the pressure of being the champions but we put so much pressure on ourselves. 

“The preparation took us two weeks of sweat and pain, but it just feel so sweet knowing the fact that our hard work has paid off. 

“It was pretty hard and tiring but the boys were willing to take the challenges.”

The 23-year-old proud Vaiala villager acknowledged the support of their village, families and everyone else.

 “I would like to dedicate this to our dance teacher, Sulusi Fa’apopo, for always being patient with us, our manager Lelepa Niue Titi, for having our back, and to all my boys for making this night a memorable one, and to my little brother ET who danced for Blackie Yes, I’m so proud of you.

“And on top of all the people, we dedicate this night to our families and friends who are our greatest supporters. And lastly to my grandfather who passed away last year when we just won. He would have been very proud of us.”

The final held at Sogi was well attended. The noise was deafening when the 11 crews who made it to the final took the stage for their performances.

The competition was sponsored by S.S.A.B, M.N.R.E, Fiji Airways, Central Bank of Samoa, AST Industries, Niedes Boutique and Hair Salon.

Les Papali’i, 17, shared Mr. Viliamu’s excitement, being the youngest member of the “Army of Kins.”

 “Being the youngest was tough for me,” he said. 

“I had to be on time and adjust to whatever the boys were doing. But the fact that I was passionate to be part of the crew, I took all the challenges that came my way. 

“I was motivated to be part of this because dancing is one of the many talents that the Lord has blessed me with and am thankful that we made it this far.”

The Army of Kins enjoyed the victory on Saturday night but they know they have their work cut out before the Hip Hop South Pacific Dance Competition in New Zealand fast approaching in April.

 

Results:

First place: Army of Kins

Second place: United Uso

Third place: Blackie Yes

By Yumi Epati Tala’ave 13 January 2019, 12:00AM

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