The One Two Boys and Undercover Coconut Clowns were certified Rulers of Hip Hop Kingdom last night in front of thousands and awarded top prizes by Guest of Honour HRH Prince Ata at Professional PR’s Hip Hop Competition held at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
“We joined because we wanted to have fun and we did this as a tribute to our five friends who passed away recently,” said a member of the One Two Boys who won the Duo Category. The event featured two categories namely Duo and Groups of 3 or more members. Seven groups competed in the first category and eleven in the group category with familiar entertainers such as Fili Tonu and newcomers.
“I loved the variety. We saw kids from Vava’u (Vava’u Street Boys) and then there was the palangi groups with Australians and Japanese members (Hip Hoppin’ Palangi ‘Eh) who did a ma’ulu’ulu like routine with the guy doing the fakapale. That was cool, “ said a member of the audience.
Groups were given the freedom to provide their own music. The only requirements were that the music be between 3-5 minutes and the routine to feature about 30 seconds of Tongan inspired movements. All participants rose to the challenge and entertained the crowd for about two hours straight. Other talented youth were also invited to perform including On the Spot, Samuela ‘Ofa and Simi, Sammy and Papa.
Prizes were supported by Dataline Systems, Toloke Enterprises, Fehoko Art, Good Samaritan Inn, Tonga Development Bank, Motor Parts Services, Island Technology and Mana’ia Real Estate. Second place for the Duo was won by God’s Army and Krazy Maskz took third place. For the Group category, second place was won by Majestic Souls (a.k.a. The Jesters) and third place went to Crown, the only group with a female member.
The event was organized by Professional PR as it believes in actively encouraging Tonga’s talented youth.
“There are kids out there with real talent. They just need a stage; the commitment is there, “ said the organizers adding, “the kids need believers in their talent who not only say it but proactively support their efforts. Hip hop is great because it is fresh and seriously boosts confidence and teamwork.”
The winners will be featured in a new TV program to be produced by Professional PR targeted at the youth next year.
“We wanted it to be fun but we also wanted these kids to remember Tonga and that is why we wanted to let them have fun with the hip hop but fuse it with some Tongan moves so it was great seeing these talented youth poppin’ and lockin’ then suddenly doing the soke or fakataupasi. They truly represented!” said the organizers.
Professional PR plans to host another similar event on January 15 at the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium before schools begins and while visitors are here.
