
Krump Kings and Queens: The People, Fams, and Rising Stars Shaping New Zealand's Krump Scene
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From underground battles to packed theatres and viral online jams, the story of Krump in Aotearoa New Zealand is one of raw energy, community roots, and creative evolution. In this electrifying episode, we trace Krump’s powerful journey on these shores—chronicling the pioneers, legendary battles, family lineages, and the next generation pushing boundaries in the art form.
We begin with the spark that lit up New Zealand’s Krump scene: the arrival of *Rize* (2005), David LaChapelle’s landmark documentary. As the film circulated in festivals and bootleg DVDs, young dancers in Auckland and beyond were captivated. Aaron Hardy (AE) sparked the early fire in Auckland, soon joined by figures like Kevin Griffiths (AKC), Luny/Alien and his Mangere fam, and Israel Adesanya (then known as Black Majik, now a global MMA star). Out West, groups like ICK (Ice Cream Krumpers), OBC, and the Underground Kings began gathering for sessions and early battles, with the first NZ Krump competition hosted by Joash Fahitua. Regions like Waikato, Rotorua, Wanganui, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, and Wellington found their own beat, with collectives such as The Villainz, Bully Nerdz, and local crews electrifying youth culture.
The late 2000s saw legendary events like Krump VS B-Boyz, Heart of Krump NZ, and Tommy the Clown’s 2007 tour, which brought “clowning” and anti-gang inspiration to Auckland schools. These early years laid down the roots—instilling in Krump New Zealand’s values of expressive movement, community, and resilience.
Through the 2010s, formal competitions cemented Krump as a vital, community-driven art form. The NZ Krump Nationals (2011–2019) became a proving ground for local and emerging talent, with divisions for “Lil Homie,” “Big Homie,” and “Fam Clash,” and battles streaming online for fans across the world. The Krump Aotearoa network helped connect dancers nationwide. As the culture matured, iconic leaders emerged: Ken Vaega (Lightsaber), who went on to win the 2018 World Krump Championship and founded Lighthouse Fam; Ennoalla Paea-Vaega, champion of all-female crews and Krump theatre; Chris Teava of EXCBS fame; Trenton Omeri (12AF), force behind 12 Fam; Byrin Mita (XIII), who infused Krump with indigenous identity, haka, and youth mentorship; and “Happy Feet” John Vaifale, a movement legend with titles at home and abroad.
The modern era sees Krump adapting to the digital age. Online events like KN21 and the ever-growing Beatdown Series (Kidz, Younginz, Rookies, Heavy Hitters, 7 to Smoke), Labyrinth Sessions, and King of Buck qualifiers keep the community battle-ready and engaged—even in lockdown. Rising stars and crews—like LH Combine (merging Lighthouse/Watchmin), XIII WRLD (youth-soaked innovation), Hyperush Empire, and EXCBS—anchor new generations. Dedicated organisers (Pax, Flyhigh, Severe) ensure Auckland’s Silo Sessions remain open hubs for Krumpers.
International successes continue with prodigies like Stacy Meng (Baby XIII), Step Ya Game Up NY champ; Samuel Han (Kid XIII); and siblings Raul and Rian Gounder (Yg Lightsaber and Prince Lightsaber), who bring trophies back from world youth battles. Artists like Caitlyn Dulcie (Miss Earth NZ 2023) and Israel Adesanya keep expanding what Krump can mean for Aotearoa.
But above all, Krump’s evolution in New Zealand is defined by its tight-knit, intergenerational spirit. Events focus as much on “Kidz,” “Rookiez,” and “Younginz” as on open battles, passing down knowledge and nurturing diverse, confident voices. The krump fam structure—EXCBS, LH Combine, XIII WRLD, Hyperush Empire, and more—fosters mentorship, female empowerment, Māori and Pacific pride, and resilience.
Tune in as we celebrate the beats, the battles, the families, and the mana of Krump in Aotearoa—a kinetic, ever-adapting story etched in sweat, soul, and stomp.
Show notes