Aotearoa New Zealand Krump History and Timeline

A deep dive into the historical tapestry of New Zealand street dance, specifically the energetic and expressive art form of Krump, reveals a vibrant and evolving community rooted in self-expression and cultural connection. From its origins in the urban neighbourhoods of California in the 1990s as a powerful means of escapism and self-expression, characterised by exaggerated, free, and highly energetic movements, Krump found fertile ground in Aotearoa. The very essence of Krump, encapsulated by its acronym, "Kingdom Radically Uplifted Mighty Praise," connects its dynamic physicality to a spiritual, almost biblical, intent, drawing parallels to King David's dance of might.

The Early Stirrings: Foundations and Pioneers (Circa 2006-2010)

Records suggest that Krump began to ripple through New Zealand's dance scene around the mid-2000s. Early footage from channels like MaJiK111, which joined YouTube in January 2007, features Krump Kings in Auckland and videos titled "BlaCK MaJiK" dating back 18 years, indicating a presence as early as 2006. Similarly, the TaroPower YouTube channel, established in July 2006, showcases early Krump sessions from 2007, featuring dancers such as Manu, Ben, Yash, Olo, and Jack at IBCC Krump Sessions. The "Rock The Top 1.0" event in 2007 even included a Krump category, with battles like Chris vs Dan. The "Hope Anniversary" and "Wellington Groove" events of 2007 also featured early Krump presence.

Pioneering figures emerged during this nascent period. Israel Adesanya, later to become a renowned MMA fighter, was a prominent Krump dancer known as Black Majik or MaJiK, and also Big Llow, affiliated with the Broken Naes crew. His crew included dancers like King Cookie (also known as Little Magic), Switch (Twin Magic), and Baby Magic. Black Majik himself, in a 2008 video, expressed strong opinions on the New Zealand Krump scene, noting perceived corruption and "fakes," while advocating against criticism of others' styles and asserting that no single dancer could be definitively "the best". He emphasized that top dancers, such as those from Brotherhood, Greedies, and Underground Kings, could win or lose on any given day, depending on circumstances.

The Wellington scene also saw significant activity, documented by channels like NZMaori88 (joined June 2009), featuring early performances like the "Waitangi Krump Performance in Palmerston North" (15 years ago) and sessions in Manners Mall. Dancers such as Boii Omen, Exile (J Omen), Trajikk, Lil Righteous, and J Righteous were seen at Palmerston North carpark sessions. Early battles also occurred at events like StreetRage2, featuring Lil Hammer versus Boii Omen, and showcases from Big Hammer and Jay Mirakle.

By 2010, the "Cap City" sessions were a known gathering point for Krumpers in Wellington, attracting dancers like Big Raw, Omen, and Shock Proof.

The Decade of Growth: Events, Fams, and Maturation (2011-2019)

The 2010s marked a period of significant expansion and formalisation for New Zealand Krump. Krump Aotearoa, a support network for the community, was established, its YouTube channel joining in July 2012 and chronicling a decade of events.

2011: Early events like "Troublegrounds" saw dancers such as Asylum and Ricochet. The NZ Krump Nationals 2011 archive features extensive sessions, highlighting the burgeoning talent pool. The KeepItWildN channel, which started archiving Krump sessions and battles in July 2011, captured events like "West AKC caging" and sessions featuring Big Alien vs Testament.

2012: The Rise of Organized Competition This year proved pivotal with the documentation of numerous structured competitions.

• Troubled Grounds 2012: This event included "Last Man Standing" battles (e.g., Kid West Mayhem vs Blackout aka Twin EXCB, Prince Maestro vs Lil Kisses aka Lowce, Prince Maestro vs Image Taker, Prince Maestro vs Jdashomen Aktive, Jdashomen aka Aktive vs Boi Omen Tha Shadow, Jdashomen aka Aktive vs Blackout aka Twin EXCB), Tag Team battles, and Call Out battles.
• Cap City Prelims: Featured "Lil Homie" (LH) selections and finals (e.g., Young Omen, Jr Mutiny, Young Shadow, J Dot Breakthrough, Jr Breakthrough) and "Big Homie" (BH) battles and finals (e.g., Shadow vs Asylum, Remnant Tha Soulwinna vs Twin O/A aka Detective #12).
• AKC Prelims 2012: Included battles such as Groove vs Masta, Alien aka Emo vs Testament, Masta vs Alien aka Emo, Jr Phat vs Good Omen aka Aktive, Young Trajikk vs Light Saber, Lady Horror vs Young Lowc, and multi-dancer rounds.
• NZ Krump Nationals 2012: This major event had "Lil Homie" (LH) and "Big Homie" (BH) sections with multiple rounds and semi-finals, featuring dancers like Good Omen vs Boy Author, Light Saber vs Girl Grove, Lady Horror vs Jr Street Monsta, Jr Crossbearer vs Jr Breakthrough, Groove vs Knuckles, Greedy vs Shadow, Masta vs Remnant, Asylum vs Milz, Alien vs Pacc, Blackhawk vs Twin Omen, and culminating in finals like Jr Crossbearer vs Light Saber and Alien vs Milz.
• Swag Fest 2.0: Showcased Krump vs Break battles featuring Kid CT, Prince Maestro, Light Saber, Aktive, and EXCB.

2013: International Recognition and Local Consolidation The year saw increased interaction with international figures and continued local growth.

• Treason 2013: A significant multi-day Krump event in Wellington. It featured a "Lock In Session" (e.g., Ruin tha Legion Killa vs Reech, Ruin tha Legion Killa, Young Trajikk, Tiny Khan, Omen, Kid Street Monsta, Boy Trajikk, Milz, Shadow, Khan, Twin Omen, Trajikk, Knucklez, J Mutiny, Young Shadow, Author, Ricochet, J Breakthrough, Reech), "Cap City Sessions" (e.g., Ruin tha Legion Killa vs Twin Omen, Ricochet vs J Mutiny, Young Shadow vs Lil Coverboii, Shadow vs Khan, Aktive vs Boy Trajikk & Young Trajikk), and main event battles (e.g., Ruin tha Legion Killa vs Boy Ruin & Twin LK, Lil Homie Battle: J Mutiny vs J Street Monsta vs Light Saber, JAY BREAKTHROUGH vs LT. LIGHT, REMNANT vs TRAJIKK, TWIN OMEN & REECH vs AUTHOR & PACC, BOY TRAJIKK & YOUNG TRAJIKK vs LIL OMEN & TWIN OMEN). International dancer Ruin (Tha Legion Killa) expressed admiration for the New Zealand scene, noting the deep appreciation for Krump among dancers and the high level of talent, comparable to international standards. He emphasized the critical role of community support for continued growth.
• For The Love Battle: A notable event held to raise money for the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake relief, featuring battles like Example Krump Fam (Chris Teava aka Boy Ruin) versus Black Majik (Israel Adesanya) & Big Masta.
• Troubled Grounds 2013: Continued to host Tag Team battles (e.g., Boy Evolve/Kid Trajikk vs Lightsaber/Jr CB, Lil Kong/Baby Kong vs Lightsaber/Jr CB vs Jr Omen/Omen, Asylum/Shadow vs Lil Kong/Baby Kong) and Last Man Standing battles.
• KN13 (Krump Nationals 2013): Featured extensive battles including Jr Omen vs Jr Street Monsta, Kid Cross Bearer vs Remnant, Boy Trajikk vs Jr Street Monsta, Montel vs Poura, Judgement vs Alien, Phaze vs Prestige, Fam Clash (AYZ vs Omens), City Clash, and the "Battle of the Champs," culminating in the final battle between Twin Legion Killa/Milz vs Boy Maddknuck/Example.
• Bonnie & Clyde Battles 2013: Showcased tag team battles like Booda & Lils vs Edzilla & Katto.
• WSB Strictly Buck 2013: Featured battles such as Gizmo vs Flyboii, Nephilim vs Antagonize, Shutdown vs Ladyred, Crash vs Twinmurkem, Infant Shutdown vs Jr Maddawg, Lady Shutdown vs Myndset, Trajikk vs Jr Streetkid, Antagonize vs Shutdown, Crash vs Trajikk, Shutdown vs Flyboii, Gurl Murk vs Example. The final battle was Shutdown vs Trajik. Judge showcases included Tight Eyez & Lil Tight Eyez (Streetkingdom).

2014:

• KN14 (Krump Nationals 2014): Included an AKC Callout with battles like Baby Cross Bearer vs Lil Trajikk, Trajikk vs Eternal, Twelve/Twin Twelve vs City Trouble/Twin City Trouble, EXCB vs Yak, Remnant vs Jr City Trouble, Jr Omen vs Jr Dead End, Jr Aktive vs Jr Ground Bully, Lil Example vs Lil Omen, Lil CT vs Dark Kidd Author, Baby Judgement vs Judgement. The main event featured a Judges Showcase with Bdash aka Twin Everything, BNC heats, Fam Clash Tournament heats and semi-finals, and a 72KO tournament with numerous battles and finals.
• The Pirates Global: This crew, established in January 2013, with international reach across AUS, NZ, USA, France, Brazil, Philippines, Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany, regularly hosted sessions and workshops. Their 2014 sessions featured Shutdown, Jr Maddawg, Gizmo, YungMaddreech, Nephilim, XShutdown, Infant Shutdown, Blackout, and collaborations with Tight Eyez & LT. Events like "Bring Buck Session" showcased Rachel, Kyd Maddawg, Alphaone, and Konstruct.

2015:

• Cap City Treason 2015: Featured rookie and female sections.
• King of The Pirates 2015: Included battles like Dingo vs Smilekilla, Baby Shutdown vs Tiny Reech, Baby Shutdown vs SmileKilla, Paniq vs Gizmo, with Paniq vs Smilekilla in the finals.
• Hold Your Style 2015: Featured battles such as Tiny Reech vs ???, Nephilim vs Macey, Chris C vs Ilay, Henrika vs ???, Eric vs ??, Jedi vs Eric, Jedi vs ILLay, with Jedi vs Chris C in the finals.
• Clash Nation 2015: Showcased Lady Maddawg vs Lady Red vs Mama K.

2016:

• EBS 2016 Male Preselection: Featured EXCBS/Aotearoa from New Zealand.
• Cap City Treason 2016: Included exhibitions (Shadow vs Evict, Comeback Kid vs Lil Trajikk, Tiny Scar.Y vs Millz), rookie finals (Tayessa vs Connor), female finals (Girl 100 vs Girl Shepard vs Girl Ayz), and a judges showcase.
• Fix Your Face 2016: Included finals (Ladyshutdown vs Girl Paniq), top 4 battles (Baby Shutdown vs Girl Paniq, Lady Shutdown vs Kid 2Livez), and special showcases (Smilekilla aka Jr Baddbeast, Brocky aka TwinMaddawg, Shutdown aka Baddbeast).

2017: The Beatdown Era Begins (formally) The "Beatdown NZ Dance Competitions" YouTube channel joined in March 2017, and "BeatDownSix Nation" in July 2017, marking a new era of event documentation.

• BeatDown Feb/Mar 2017: Featured sessions and battles like Kid Drill vs Redhood/Jdash100, Young Aktive vs Young Example, Aktives vs WatchMins, JR Strongside vs 12 a.k.a Baddbeast X, Lightsaber a.k.a Kid StreetBeast vs Boy Omen.
• BeatDownSix Nation's 16man KO Tournament: Featured numerous battles including Tiny Yak vs Jr Example, 12 vs Jr Strongside, Lightsabre vs Kid Scar Y, XIII vs EXCB, Remnant vs Aktive, Commanda vs Twin Khan, J Bad Rillah vs Lil Judgement, Brother Strongside vs Potion, J EXAMPLE vs 12, LIGHTSABRE vs XIII, AKTIVE vs TWIN KHAN, 12 vs XIII (Semi-Finals), AKTIVE vs J BAD RILLAH (Semi-Finals), and J BAD RILLAH vs 12 (Finals). This channel also showcased the "NZKC Haka for Wave aka Kid Tight Eyez" and "PALMERSTON NORTH vs WELLINGTON Rep Yo City Finals".
• KN17 (Krump Nationals 2017): This comprehensive event included the NZ Krump Division (BNC battles), International Division heats and quarter/semi-finals (Kid Drill vs Eternal, Grimeape vs Big Elkana, Young Murkem vs Redhood, Commander vs Jr Kana, City Trouble vs Twin All Bad, Lady Red vs XIII, Shutdown vs Killa Yak, Milz vs Kool Blue, Big Elkana vs Eternal, City Trouble vs XIII, Shutdown vs Milz, Big Elkana vs City Trouble, Shutdown vs Jr Kana, Redhood vs Jr Kana), Fam Clash Semi Finals, BNC Finals (Twin Aktive & Girl Aktive vs Jr Baddrillah & Girl Badrillah), 72KO battles (12 vs Mutiny, Aktive vs Jr Street Monsta, Aktive vs 12, Lightsaber vs Mutiny, 12 vs Aktive, 12 vs Lightsaber, 12 vs Grove, 12 vs Jr Street Monsta, Aktive vs Mutiny, Aktive vs Grove, Lightsaber vs Jr Street Monsta, Lightsaber vs Grove, Lightsaber vs Aktive, Lightsaber vs Remnant, Aktive vs Shepherd, Aktive vs Remnant, Lightsaber vs Shepherd), and an Exhibition Battle (Matters vs Beast).

2018:

• KN18 (Krump Nationals 2018): Presented BNC Showcases (A.K.Twist, Hyperaktive, LH), Fam Clash 3v3 (Hype Rush vs Watchmin in finals, Semis: Fempire vs Watchmin, Hype Rush vs Badd Shepherdz), BCT (Battle Compete Tournament) Females (Contenders like Girl Rawplay, Nova, Rowdy Red aka Lady AR, Young Stylah, Hannah, Lady Red, Girl Stylah, Girl Flyboi, Girl Matters, Girl Street Beast; Top 8, Semis, Finals), BCT Males (Contenders like Blitz The Smash Boi, Pax, Jr Hood, YNBBG X, Madd Blue, Masta, Elkana, Shinobi, 12AF, Jr Kana, Bulldawg, Aktive, Goofee, Cube X, Boy Omen, Twin Blvd, Ill Twist, Monsta Blvd, Kid Badrulez, Light Saber; Top 8, Top 16, Semis, Finals). The event also featured a 7.2.Kill Off Division and 8Bucks Division.

2019:

• KN19 (Krump Nationals 2019): Included Fam Clash Finals (Hype Rush Empire vs Saber Fam), BNC Division preselections and finals, 1v1 Female Tournament (Preselections: Girl Baddrillah, Girl Grounded, Lady Aktive, Kid Antagonize, Young 5Roundz, Queen Tresspass, Jr Eternal, Twin Watchmin, Watchlight; Top 8, Top 4, Finals: Watchlight vs Girl Matters), 1v1 Male Tournament (Preselections: 12AF, Purebreed, Monsta Tresspass, Boy Lightsaber, Boy Omen, Aktive, Kid XIII, Kid Milz, King Kulture, Shinobi, EXCBS, Matters, Lil Lightsaber, Trip, Pax, Grimeape, Jr Street Monsta, Tresspass X; Top 16, Top 8, Top 4, Finals: 12AF vs EXCBS). It also featured 7.2.Kill Off and 8Bucks Krumpire Qualifiers.
• Treason 2019: Lightsaber aka Jr Street Beast was featured at this event.

The Modern Era: Online Adaptations and Diverse Showcases (2020-2024)

The early 2020s saw adaptations to online formats and a continued diversification of street dance events. The LH Combine, a creative collective based in Aotearoa/New Zealand, emerged with a goal to provide opportunities and help creatives discover their purpose.

2020:

• KN20 (Krump Nationals 2020): Featured exhibition battles (Aktive vs Monsta Tresspass, YG Example vs Boy Omen, Lil Lightsaber vs Lil Omen, Endshot vs Boy Lightsaber, Twin $’ab vs Commanda), a guest showcase by Krump Club, and a Tag Team Battle (Freshmans vs IDCO).
• The BEATDOWN 2020 Kidz Edition: Hosted Krump Prelims (Bella, Brooklyn, Emily, Lauvi, Leniza, Lesharn, London, Natalie, Peyton, Reiley, Ruby, Samantha) and Open Style Prelims (Dallas, Ethan, Finn, Gabriel, Jahleh, Kyra-lee, Kyree, Natalie, Nika, Pamela, Praise, Raul, Rian, Samara, A.Hunnid, Jenique).

2021:

• KN21 ONLINE: Adapting to new formats, this event included KY (Kids/Youngins) Division Prelims and battles (Baby Watch:Min vs Explosion vs Badd Blvd, Rain vs Kid Blvd vs Rian, Kid Thunder vs 8face vs Raul, Girl Exl vs Rani), XP (Experienced) Preselections and battles (Girl XIII vs 1:AM, Jdot Example vs Edward, Jdot 12 vs Konstruct, Jr Stylah vs X-otic vs Boy Example, Killa Playmaker, Jdot Strong Side vs Boy Wolverine), and Hitterz Division battles (Fly vs Killa Bodybag, Aktive vs J Hood, Milz vs Blvd, Antagonize vs Boy Omen, XIII vs Jr Trip, Savage Street Beast vs Boy Antagonize, 12AF vs Illkid X, Soul vs Nix). It concluded with Top 8, Semi-finals, and Finals for all divisions.

2022:

• THE BEATDOWN May 2022: Featured finals for Adults (S.H.N.B.K vs Lil 12), Kidz (Baby XIII vs YG XIII), and Younginz (Raul vs Kidd Blvd), alongside various preliminaries.
• BEATDOWN August 27th 2022: Included Rookies, Kidz, and Heavy Hitters preselections, as well as "7 to Smoke" battles across categories.
• Labyrinth NZ 2022: Hosted an opening session, a guest showcase by Baby Watch:Min & Queen Trespass, prelim rounds, and top 8/top 4 battles (Hatesa vs Ashley, IndiHaze vs Caitlyn, Kayla vs Monev vs Lyla, Peyton vs Kalliope, Kalliope vs Hatesa, Kayla vs Caitlyn).
• BEATDOWN END OF YEAR 2022: Featured Kids, Younginz, Rookies, and Heavy Hitters tournaments, including semi-finals and finals (e.g., Rian vs Kidd XIII in Kids Finals, Wolf vs Monsta Strongside in Rookies Finals, Strongside vs Omen in Heavy Hitters Finals).

2023:

• BD Rookies 2023: Showcased battles like Endshot vs Enigma, Endshot X vs Rian, Kieran vs Baby XIII, Liam vs Boi XIII, Micro XIII vs Monsta XIII, Miss Endshot vs Air, Raul vs Tiny Endshot, YG XIII vs Lady KO.
• BD Youth 2023: Included Younginz (Luffy vs Kid XIII, Luffy vs Brooklyn, London vs Leniza vs Brooklyn, London vs Brooklyn, Leniza vs Kid XIII, Josh vs Badd Blvd, Lil XIII vs Peyton, Nezie vs Hoa Zhen), and Kidz divisions (King Joshy vs Hao Zheni, King Joshy vs Hao Zhen, Hao Zhen vs Mosta XIII, Haeme vs Micro XIII, Child XIII vs Micro XIII, Rani vs Haeme, Stanley vs King Joshy) with finals and a judges showcase (Aktive aka Fleshkilla X, YG Saber & Prince Saber).
• BEATDOWN Heavy Hitters 2023: Featured after sessions (Omen vs Erupt, Mr Powerpuff vs Ooshcon, Alien vs Grimeape, Severe vs Lil Strongside, Ember vs Reset, CT vs Aeon Tha Poet), top 16 battles (Savyb vs Pablo, AK75 vs YG Saber, Kidd Saber vs Baby XIII, Kidd XIII vs Lil 12, Plainsundae vs Nyxx, Kieran vs Baby Watchmin, Lil XIII vs Lil Antagonize, Lil Saber vs Boi Blackzik), preselections, top 8, semi-finals, and finals (AK75 vs Savyb).
• Labyrinth NZ 2023 Session Night: Included an opening session, battles like Lil Matterz vs Girl XIII, Lysharn vs Mia, Leniza vs Iso, Lauvi vs Andrea, West Dxzn vs Wing Watch:min, Watch:min/Phirus aka Girl StreetBeast vs Ember aka Killa Encore, Nyxx vs Girl Endshot, Lady Aktive vs Lady K.O, Killa Encore vs Lil Antagonize, Girl Phirus vs Girl XIII, and a judges showcase. A tournament also took place with preselections, top 8, top 4 (Iso vs YG Watch:min, Girl Phirus vs Mosta Endshot, Girl Endshot vs YG Watch:min), and an exhibition.
• BEATDOWN CHAMPIONSHIP 2023: A grand event featuring judges showcases, Heavy Hitters finals (XIII vs Aktive), Younginz finals (Kidd XIII vs Prince Saber), Kidz finals (Mosta XIII vs King Joshy), NZ OS finals (XIII vs ASAB), and Rookiez finals (Lil XIII vs Keiran). It also included top 16, top 8, top 4 battles across various divisions and an LH Combine Exhibition.
• "Lock It In" Locking Event 2023: Focused on the locking style, featuring soul trains, top battles (Amy vs Happyfeet in finals, Astro Andy vs Kelvin, Happy Feet vs Kelvin, Rian vs Amy, Rian vs Talayna, Yao vs Happyfeet, Amy vs Raul), and a judges showcase.

2024:

• BEATDOWN Rookies Qualifier 2024: Featured Top 18 battles (Alph vs YG Endshot vs Magento, Cuda vs Tana vs Girl Phirus, Dusty vs Air XIII vs MaddMaxx, Keiran vs Andy vs Kidd XIII, Ray vs Lauvi vs Rani, YG SABER vs Prince SABER vs Micro XIII), a Judges Showcase, Top 6, and Finals.
• Beatdown Youth Qualifiers 2024: Included Kidz division (Baby Girl 12 vs Bella, Baby Girl 12 vs Zeke, Bella vs Alex, Rani vs Haeme, Stanley vs King Joshy) and Younginz division (Baby Watchmin vs Hao Zhen vs Joshy, Baby Watchmin vs Kidd XIII, Baby Watchmin vs Micro XIII vs Prince Syte, Baby XIII vs Child XIII vs Lil XIII, Baby XIII vs Kidd XIII, Child XIII vs Girl Syte, Josh vs Badd Blvd, Lil XIII vs Peyton, Nezie vs Hoa Zhen) with finals and a judges showcase.
• Lock It In Locking Competition May 2024: Featured Cypher, Judges Showcase, Soul Train, and battles like Sam vs Rian, Brooklyn vs Yao, Ken vs Rani, Ken vs Yao, Raul vs Rian, Sam vs Gee, Sam vs Yao.
• LABYRINTH Ladies Krump Event | Krumpfest 2024: A significant event amplifying women in Krump, showcasing sessions (Ember aka Killa Encore vs Essence aka Twin Red, Iso vs Miki, Kidd Endshot vs Watchmin Wing, Tori vs Baby Watch:min), tournament battles (Girl Phirus vs Monsta Endshot, Monsta Endshot vs Philippa, Monev vs Rora, Girl Phirus vs Tori, Baby Girl 12 vs Rora, Baby Girl 12 vs Vic), exhibitions (Miki vs Nyxx, Girl Phirus vs Essence), and a judges showcase. The finals saw Girl Phirus vs Baby Girl 12.
• BEATDOWN HH & NZ OS Qualifier | Krumpfest 2024: Featured Heavy Hitters (HH) and NZ Open Styles (NZ OS) divisions with preselections, judges showcases, and numerous battles including $evere vs Ak75, Achilles vs Flow, Aeon vs ILL Drill, Air XIII vs Miki, Ak75 vs Blitz, Ak75 vs Nyxx, Aktive vs Matter$, Alph vs Ak75, Boy Strongside vs Achilles, Ember vs AK75, Ember vs Masta, Endshot vs Masta, Essence vs Aeon, Flow vs Ak75, Flow vs Masta, Flow vs Matter$, ILL Drill vs Masta, Kidd $A'BER vs Aeon, Kidd $A'BER vs Matter$, Kidd XIII vs Blitz, Lil XIII vs ILL Drill, Lil XIII vs Miki, Miki vs Matter$, Monsta XIII vs Miki, Nyxx vs Blitz, Nyxx vs YG $A'BER, Prince $A'BER vs Kidd XIII, Prince $A'BER vs Baby XIII, Reset vs YG $A'BER, Savy.B vs Matter$, Savy.B vs Kidd XIII, Street vs Prince $A'BER, Savy B vs Essence, Savy B vs Masta, YG $A'BER vs Kidd XIII.
• Rhythm & Buck | Krumpfest 2024: Another event at Krumpfest 2024, featuring battles like Process vs Peyton, Process vs Reset, Process vs Savy B (Finals), Process vs XIII, Tana vs Lil $A'BER, Ak75 vs Savy B, Iso vs Kidd XIII, Lady KO vs Kidd XIII, Lady KO vs Prince $A'BER, Lil $A'BER vs Savy B, Miki vs Essence, Peyton vs Essence, Trav vs Peyton, YG $A'BER vs XIII, and Savy B vs Kidd XIII.
• KOB NZ Qualifier 2024 (King of Buck): Showcased Mens Finals (YG TRIP vs 12AF), Kids Finals (Kidd XIII vs Baby XIII), Womens Finals (Iso vs Tvff aka P Bruiser), Teams Finals (Hyperush Empire vs Gfam), and various division battles, judges showcases, and preselections.
• SET IT OFF Vol 1: A Hip-hop x House Dance Event featuring a Hip-hop Division 7 to Smoke and House Division battles (Hemi vs Stacey, Hemi vs Cece (Final), Happyfeet vs Bonnie, Blizzo vs Stacey, Cece vs Sam, Cece vs Bonnie).
• BEATDOWN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024: A major championship event with judges showcases and ANZAC CUP street battles (12AF vs Street, A$A'B vs Red, Achilles vs Essence, Baby XIII vs YG A1, Breakthrough vs Havoc, EXCB vs Queen Red, Kid XIII vs Drift, Omen vs Reset, Pvblo vs Lite, Donbvck vs Soul Red, Vision vs Stoneface), Rhythm N Buck finals (Vision vs 12AF), and division battles across NZ Open Styles (NZ OS), Rookiez, Younginz, Kidz, and Heavy Hitterz.
• "World of Watch:MIN": A significant theatre show held in January 2024 at Māngere Arts Centre, featuring an all-wāhine (female) cast telling authentic stories through Krump, emphasising mana wahine (spirit of women). The Watch:MIN crew, established in 2017, specifically aims to amplify women in Krump.
• Projekt Feel Good: A festival in South Auckland, held in January 2024, organised by Projekt Team and Do Good, Feel Good collectives. It aims to combat the negative narrative around street dancing as a life goal, making it more accessible by including international guests, world champions, and national choreographers, with many free activities. Mele Tapueluelu from Projekt Team highlighted the importance of accessibility, especially for Pacific people for whom dance and music are natural parts of storytelling.
• Pring It On: A theatre show premiered in January 2024 by newly established Strictly Brown, a Pacific twist on "Bring It On," focusing on Polyfest preparations and experiences.

Key Figures and Their Enduring Impact

Beyond the structured events, the narrative of New Zealand Krump is deeply entwined with its dedicated practitioners:

• Ken Vaega (Lightsaber/Jr Street Beast): A prominent choreographer and dancer, Ken Vaega has consistently contributed to the scene through his choreography and active participation in battles under aliases like Light Saber, Jr Street Beast, Lil Lightsaber, and Flyhigh. He runs "Saber Sessions" and actively engages in discussions about the NZ battle scene and the role of OGs (Original Gangsters).
• 12 (Baddbeast X): A central figure with various aliases including Baddbeast X, Lil 12, Young 12, Rugged 12, Jdot 12, and 12AF. He frequently featured in battles and discussions, indicating a significant presence and influence across different eras of NZ Krump.
• Omen (various aliases): From Cap City, Wellington, Omen (Lil Omen, Boii Omen, Twin Legion Killa, etc.) has been a consistent figure in Krump battles and sessions, often highlighted in Cap City events.
• Ennaolla Paea-Vaega: A dancer and choreographer leading South Auckland-based Lighthouse Famz, she champions dance as a youth development tool and has been instrumental in producing large-scale youth dance events. Her work with the Watch:MIN crew exemplifies leadership in empowering female street dancers and bringing authentic Krump narratives to theatre.

The New Zealand Krump scene, as depicted in these sources, is not merely a collection of battles but a dynamic social movement. It fosters talent, builds community, and provides a platform for self-expression, particularly for youth and women. The emphasis on earning a Krump name through authentic dance rather than simply receiving one, and the collective efforts to make dance accessible despite financial barriers, underscore the scene's deeply rooted values and its commitment to nurturing future generations of dancers in Aotearoa.