‘B-boy Sindbad’ aka Salim al Harrasi gets set for Red Bull BC One world finals sans sponsors
Salim al Harrasi, Oman’s B-boying wizard popularly known as B-boy Sindbad, last week won the Red Bull BC One Middle East Cypher 2019 and has qualified to participate in the world finals to be held in Mumbai in November. The sad part is, in the absence of any sponsorship, this talented youth has been left to practice on the streets and other open spaces in the capital to pursue his dream.
Red Bull BC One is one of the biggest one-on-one breaking competition in the world and every year thousands of talented youth from around the world fight for a chance to represent their country at the finals where 16 boys and 16 girls will compete in the ultimate challenge to select the B-boy and B-girl champions.
Harrasi, who emerged victorious in the Middle East qualifier, held at the Dubai Marina Mall, Promenade Terrace, on March 29, beat 27 experienced B-boys from different parts of the region who put up impressive performances following years of hard work. The judges included B-boy Lilou from France – a two time champion – B-boy Victor from USA – 2015 winner – and B-boy Oman fro Algeria.
While the Middle East qualifier was battled by two B-boys from the same crew – B-boy Sindbad and B-boy Hazy (Murshid Sail al Shithani) – Sindbad proved to be one up and held the audience spellbound with some strong moves. He now hopes to bring laurels to Oman by bringing out the best in him at the Mumbai world finals.
“I feel, I got what I worked for. Last year, I stood second though I expected to get the first place. However, this year, things worked in my favour, along with the motivation and encouragement from my supporters,” Harrasi told TheWeek, adding, “ I will now work so hard to gain recognition and to put Oman on the world map of B-boying.”
Asked about support for his candidature, Harrasi lamented that, unfortunately, B-boys are left to fend for themselves with regard to training as well as participation in regional/international championships as no one in Oman thinks it is worthwhile to support B-boying.
For the world finals, Red Bull would provide his airfare and stay for the championship but he has to take care of all other expenses during the trip as well as in preparation for th finals.
“I do not have a place to practice, so I have to go out and practice outdoors,” says Harrasi who recently closed down a dance studio that he had set up a couple of years ago with much interest. Without financial support and inadequate number of students, it was not possible for him to pay the rent for the premises as well as meet other expenses for running the studio, he said.
The need of the hour for promoting B-boying in Oman is short term and long-term sponsorship for participants, provision of indoor space and infrastructure for B-boys to rehearse and train as well as support for talented individuals who excel in this art and represent Oman at international championships, he asserts.
Busy B-boy
B-boy Sindbad works as a cabin crew member for Oman Air. He also pursued business studies at Gulf College as well as performed regularly as a DJ for private events alongside his studies.
Two years ago, he had set up Legend Crew, his own dance studio at Seeb where he, along with a few talented B-boys nurtured budding talent a s well as promoted martial arts meets.
Harrasi believes in living life in the fast lane. “Hobbies are essential to de-stress oneself after work,” he says, adding, “But you need to strike a balance between them.”
