When people speak about pioneers who changed British arts and culture, Jonzi D deserves to be central to the conversation. Jonzi D has spent more than two decades redefining how hip hop is experienced, respected, and celebrated on the world stage.
At the heart of his legacy is Breakin’ Convention, now recognised as the largest international festival of hip hop dance theatre in the world. Founded in 2004 at Sadler’s Wells, the festival brought street dance culture into one of the UK’s most respected theatre spaces, showcasing breaking, locking, popping, freestyle, and experimental movement.
This was more than programming. It was cultural change.
For years, hip hop thrived in streets, clubs, cyphers, and communities, yet rarely received the same recognition as traditional theatre or contemporary dance. Jonzi D challenged that imbalance by creating a platform where hip hop artists could perform under theatre lights without losing authenticity.
Today, Breakin’ Convention is far more than an annual festival. It is an international movement that tours globally, develops artists, and creates real professional pathways for emerging talent.
Through initiatives such as Open Art Surgery and Academy Breakin’ Convention, Jonzi D has also invested in the next generation, helping young creatives build skills, confidence, and opportunity.
What makes his contribution so important is that he has always understood hip hop as more than entertainment. It is identity, storytelling, resistance, and community. By bringing that truth into theatre spaces, he helped institutions evolve.
His influence can now be seen worldwide, where hip hop theatre is an established and respected art form. Many of today’s artists are walking through doors Jonzi D helped open.
He did not just create a festival. He changed the stage itself.
Breakin’ Convention 2026 is on the 1st to the 3rd of May at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Rosebery Ave, London, you can cop tickets here.
Jonzi D sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for breaking as well as other seminal hip hop dance styles?
Watching Beat Street, Wild Style and Breakdance the Movie in the early 80s.
2. Who are some of the dancers that have influenced you?
Watching my brother Pete aka Chopper practice his moves in the bedroom while growing up. He was a spirited ‘boogie’ dancer in the late 70s and 80s.
3. How would you describe your own dance styles early on?
My styles were a mixture of boogie, breaking, popping, hip hop, house and contemporary. I was a jack of all trades, I never mastered one in particular.
4.What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Breakin’ Convention is about to go on a UK tour this May and June. We’re also doing a bespoke Breakin’ Convention festival in Rotterdam this November, featuring a strong rap lineup.
5. As Breakin’ Convention’s founder and artistic director, what’s your proudest moment to date?
Performing at the world-famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York. Probably the most famous venue in Black American history. We brought hip hop back to its birthplace new and improved!