Local Hero Mason ‘Beasty’ Booysen to Represent South Africa at Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Mumbai
What You Need To Know:
17-year-old Mason ‘Beasty’ Booysen from Gqeberha has won the Red Bull Dance Your Style South Africa 2024 National Final and will represent the country at the World Final in Mumbai, India, this November.
Raised in Klein Skool, Gqeberha, Booysen's remarkable journey from a tough neighbourhood to becoming a national dance champion inspires South African youth.
Beasty’s win in front of a hometown crowd marked a significant milestone for Gqeberha, hosting the national final for the first time.
The teen sensation, known for blending Amapiano and hip-hop styles, will now prepare to take on the world’s best street dancers in a unique audience-judged competition.
Gqeberha, 9 September 2024: Local teen sensation Mason ‘Beasty’ Booysen, has captivated the nation by winning the Red Bull Dance Your Style South Africa 2024 National Final in front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd at the Boardwalk Mall in Gqeberha. His victory means he will represent South Africa at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Mumbai, India, this November.
Despite his youth, Beasty’s journey to the top has been anything but easy. Raised in Klein Skool, a tough neighbourhood known for its challenges, Booysen has used dance as an outlet and a way to rise above adversity. “I started dancing when I was three years old,” he recalls. “There was a mega crew rehearsing in my mom’s garage. Watching them made me say, ‘I want to do that too.’ That’s where it all started for me.”
A Dream Realised on Home Soil
The road to national glory began at the Gqeberha regional qualifier, where Booysen’s performances wowed both challengers and spectators. In the national final, his blend of Amapiano and hip-hop styles stood out in the high-energy dance battles, earning him the crowd’s vote.
“It feels incredible. I’m proud of myself for making everyone else proud,” said Booysen, moments after his win over Cwenga in a tight-fought final battle. “I was really nervous on stage, but my brother told me not to hold back, and that’s what pushed me to give it my all,” he said. Booysen’s parents were also present to support him, further motivating the young dancer to claim the top spot.
Preparing for the World Stage
Now, with the national title in hand, Beasty is setting his sights on the global stage. “I’m going to rehearse every single day until I’m worn out,” he said confidently. “This isn’t a joke—I want to work hard and make South Africa proud in Mumbai.”
The Red Bull Dance Your Style competition is renowned for its unique format, where dancers are required to freestyle to unexpected music tracks spanning genres like hip-hop, funk, and pop, with no choreography and no judges—only the audience’s reaction decides the winner.
A Rising Star to Watch
Mason ‘Beasty’ Booysen's win is a victory for him and his community. Growing up in a challenging environment, he has used dance to rise above, and now, at just 17, he will have the chance to showcase his talent on a global platform.
Booysen’s journey from the streets of Klain School to representing South Africa internationally proves that with talent and determination, anything is possible. His inspiring story and undeniable talent are sure to make him a crowd favourite when he competes in Mumbai on 9 November 2024.
About Red Bull Dance Your Style
Red Bull Dance Your Style is a global one-on-one street dance competition that celebrates the creativity and individuality of dancers. With no set choreography and no pre-chosen music, the competition tests dancers’ ability to adapt, freestyle and win over the audience. The event showcases a wide range of street dance styles, pushing dancers to connect with the crowd through their musicality, improvisation and energy.
