Dziah succeeds

An Otara hip-hop crew took their act to Los Angeles and showed the world how it is done. Sharu Delilkan reports
Otara-based band Dziah's result at the 2006 World Hip-Hop Championship proves that ''hard work pays''. The 11-strong, all-boy dance crew are over the moon with their second placing at the event, which attracted hundreds of street dancers from around the globe. Held in Los Angeles, it attracted entries from 25 nations including Brazil, China, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago. Dziah dance tutor and sister of Dziah's leader Ennaolla Paea says she was ''blown away'' by their routine just before they left for Los Angeles. ''I'm so proud that they've finally made it on the international stage. ''They've definitely put in the hard yards to get there.'' Besides hours of practice to prepare for the competition, Dziah raised $45,000 to finance the trip through live shows and countless sausage sizzles over the past year. Ennaolla says Dziah hopes to enter more international competitions. ''I'm sure they plan to go back next year to win the competition.'' But for now Dziah's short-term goal is to continue mentoring young people. ''Our main aim is to continue to reach all the South Side kids bursting to perform.