posing, born in the clubs of 1970s Los
In New Zealand at the Hip Hop International South Pacific qualifying competition in 2019
Angeles), breakdancing (combining acrobatics, gymnastics and rhythm), and krumping (derived from clowning where one body part remains rigid). The sun has set outside the studio, but the interior room is neon-lit so you would think it was still daytime. The camaraderie among the young men is clear to see, an indication of the time spent together sessions three times a week – more as they head into competitions. The two newest recruits, who joined shortly before our visit – Joseph, the youngest member at only 20, and his older brother in rehearsal, which includes four-hour
Ajay Ravu, 24 – fit right in with the original six, casually chatting and making each other laugh. The ages now range from 20 to 32, with most still single, although three have wives or girlfriends, and four have kids. Unfortunately since our interview Max has left
the group for personal reasons. David is wearing a grey LA Dodgers baseball cap that he picked up in Las Vegas last year, along with his trademark black Wan Squad logo t-shirt that features the crew’s founding date of 08.08.18 in white digits. Although
softly-spoken, his crew respectfully defer to him as their leader. Pyan, the 30-year-old group manager and creative director, has
the most overseas experience, having been a member of
Brisbane (Australia) hip hop crew, Academy of Brothers (AOB), from 2008, a collective of
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