Scottish team visit had a perfect timing. Plenty of dope parties, nice weather here in Warsaw.We kicked off towards the weekend with an incredible outside party at Warszawa Powisle venue. African Boy was performing and almost everyone was there. Outdoor dancing, shots, shots and more shots. Let's just call this night a battle of vodka - part one.
Aight. Now we fast forward a bit to Saturday afternoon. My man Maciek took the Glasgow crew to an enormous hall of fame wall at Warsaw - Wyscigi. Already equipped with paint, the guys created some dope pieces that we hope will stay with us for a long time.
As it was the first battle in Warsaw there was a lot of pressure to get everything right. We asked Rufin MC to help. He is a seasoned presenter. After hosting hundreds of b-boy battles and high profile events like Warsaw Challange, he was the only man we considered. He was running the show with endless resources of energy, cheering both teams and providing live commentary. DJ's were playing the battle breakes. The Powiekszenie club turned out to be a perfect venue for the battle. Narrow room, low ceiling, loud, dark, humid and packed. Getting from the stage to the bar was nearly impossible.
After first 90 seconds of the battle, we were horrified to see how fast the Glasgow team created their piece. With just few strokes of the markers their characters were starting to get shape while the Warsaw team were still contemplating the outlines. However this has changed as the time passed.
The atmosphere was equally relaxed and tense. So tense that electricity circuits in the club decided to take a short break. Power was gone for about 5 minutes and the paining, and battle clock were stopped.
When the battle resumed, disses were exchanged. Warsaw crew drew a caricature of typical Scottish local wearing the kilt, garters and complete with a tiny whinnie. The 'Braveheart 'concept was laughed at, as the Warsaw team dubbed it the 'Breakheart'. The mustache of Ali didn't miss the attention of Warsaw's artist either. Glasgow team didn't hold back. They drew a booze powered mechanical warrior shooting a sign „war of vodka” in the middle and nasty caricatures of the Polish team. Basically their piece was a semi illustration / reflection of the previous night in Warsaw.
When the Rufin MC counted thru the last seconds, markers were dropped. The crowd was crazy. It was super hot and loud inside. Judges wrote their verdicts simultaneously on small white boards. The first to show his verdict was Igor known to some of you as Ash1 or the founder and editor in chief of the BRAIN DAMAGE magazine. He gave his point to Glasgow.
Then it was up to the audience. After seconds of insane noise, yelling, shouting and whistling the crowd's vote went to Warsaw. How the audience will vote is always uncertain and the Bristol vs. Warsaw battle is a perfect example of the locals giving a point to the visiting Warsaw team. Anyways, at this point of the night we had a draw. 1:1. It was up to the second visiting judge. Nawer, member of the VHS crew and curator of the art show at Cracow's Baraka club gave his point to Warsaw, changing the score to 2:1 for Warsaw and thus granting the win to the hosting city. As this decision in the opinions of many was controversial, judges were available after the battle to explain their reasons.
As the battle mode was OFF, we switched the bar mode ON. Polish promoters of Secret Wars (www.maggnes.com - us) welcomed both teams with an open bar arrangement. The party continued downstairs with the beats provided by Soul Service DJ's, while upstairs tshirts and hugs were exchanged between the Scottish and Polish crews. Vodka was spilling everywhere. That continued until the sunrise. Vodka battle part 2.
I would like to use this opportunity to say thank you to everyone involved in making this weekend so great. I would like to great everyone from Glasgow team as they are incredible bunch of talented individuals. Warm, friendly and very chilled. Big up!
Photo by: Adam Tarasiuk, Matool, Gabi, Ola, Michal Wronski.
