As part of our exclusive sneak peek into Foot Lockers “Ready for Lift-Off” Campaign, Verge got to sit down with London-based bboy Sunni Brummitt to discuss his style, what it’s like to live a day in his life, how to get into breaking and his collaboration with Foot Locker.
Foot Locker are providing a platform for emerging European talent as part of its 2019 Space Collection, bringing together various aspects of the culture spectrum through the mediums of light, dance and rap.
Q: How did you get into the bboy scene?
A: I was a super active kid and participated in all kinds of arts and sports, but when I found dance it just seemed to fit me a little better than everything I’d previously put time into. I tried to start learning the foundation, but after I got a bit deeper into the discipline, I became more and more intrigued about everything that came with Bboying – not just the general vocabulary of the dance. This is how I became a part of the scene.
I started quite young, around 9 or 10 years old, so I wouldn’t say I felt an automatic connection – it was more just another activity to do in a week
Q: For those who don’t know about breakdancing, tell us about some of the key aspects that make it such a brilliant activity
A: If you know nothing about breakdancing, I’d say the easiest way to sum it up would be that it’s an urban dance style heavily influenced by salsa and swing. It has a lot of explosive acrobatic moves and a lot of room for original and personal adaptations of all aspects of the dance. Most Breakers are quite unique to each other.
Q: Did you feel an automatic connection, or did you have to work at it?
A: I started quite young, around 9 or 10 years old, so I wouldn’t say I felt an automatic connection – it was more just another activity to do in a week. After a while, I started to get a bit more advanced and a connection was naturally formed. I wouldn’t say I ever had to work on it as such.
Q: You travel the world and compete in intense competitions, what was the hardest one and what do you do to prep for it?
A: For me, the Red Bull BC One world finals is always the hardest due to the sheer prestige of the event. Every year the pressure is so intense, and the environment can be quite stressful.
Q: How do you feel about Foot Locker recognising you as a talent “Ready for Lift off” in 2019 and what are your thoughts on the brand providing a platform for young artists to take off?
A: I’m very happy to be recognised as “one to watch” by Foot Locker, I can’t thank them enough. I think it’s great that such a prestigious company is giving a platform to up and coming artists and I hope that they will continue to encourage and inspire young talent to develop their skills and artistry.
Q: What’s your favourite sneaker Foot Locker’s 2019 Space Collection?
A: My favourite trainer would definitely have to be the Nike Air Vapormax Run Utility.
Q: How would you describe your dance style?
A: Original and explosive.
I like to have a lot of explosive person-to-person moments, so I look up everything from swing partner work to wrestling for inspiration
Q: Who do you gain inspiration from when thinking of new routines?
A: You can draw inspiration from anywhere. When I’m usually making routines, I like to have a lot of explosive person-to-person moments, so I look up everything from swing partner work to wrestling for inspiration.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self when going through those intense training sessions perfecting your craft?
A: Nothing – I’ve loved my journey so far and I wouldn’t change a thing!
Q: Take us through a day in the like of Sunni, what do you do in your down time?
A: My life is pretty simple actually. I literally just train and socialise with close friends.
Q: What’s your favourite song to perform to?
A: I don’t have a favourite song to perform to per say but I’d much prefer high energy over soulful or smooth.
We’re right on the brink of reaching completely untouched territory.
Q: Any advice to those looking for a spot on your Bboy team?
A: Train hard and be nice.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Organizers of Paris 2024 proposing that breakdancing should be included as a new sport in the Olympic program?
A: I’m absolutely thrilled about it! I think it’s an amazing stepping stone for breaking in the direction of becoming a globally respected profession and not just a gimmick for music videos, street shows and the like.
Q: What do you think the future of breakdancing looks like?
A: Amazing! We’re right on the brink of reaching completely untouched territory. Not only has the news sparked global interest from the general public and big sponsors alike, but its brought the worldwide community closer together more than ever before. It’s a very exciting time to be a breaker.
The new the Foot Locker SS19 collection is now available online and in stores across Europe.