Moroccan prepares to represent Africa at Olympics’ inaugural breaking competition

Breaking – a form of competitive dance once called “breakdancing” - originated on the streets of New York in the 1970s. More than five decades later, it’s making its debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

16 “B-Boys” and 16 “B-Girls” from around the world will be competing for Olympic gold. They include Morocco’s Bilal Mallakh – the first African and Arab to qualify for the landmark event.

“I'm going to represent Morocco and Africa. It's not easy, but I'll give my best to represent them well,” he told AfricaNews. “I'm focused and dedicated in my preparation, training diligently with my coach. We're striving to excel at the Olympics.”

One of Mallakh’s strengths reportedly lies in his collection of dynamic sequences known as “blow ups”, ideally suited for larger stages. 

Breaking was first featured at the Summer Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aires in 2018. Its success later prompted the International Olympic Committee to include it in the Paris Olympics in a bid to appeal to younger viewers.   

Five judges will score the breakers on creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity and musicality. Women will vie for gold in Paris on August 9^th with the men competing on August 10^th. 

While some in the community lament the inclusion of the dance genre rooted in hip hop culture for fear it is commercializing the sport, Mallakh is not among them. 

"Breakdancing being part of the Olympics is a positive step,” he told AfricaNews. “It will change perceptions and hopefully elevate the sport. I see a small but passionate breakdancing community in Morocco, and I believe it will grow over time."