Yoshie (JP)

Judge • Locking 2vs2 • Showcase Competition

What an honor to welcome Yoshie to Oslo and Extended 2026 - a true legend all the way from Japan!

As one of Japan’s most respected street dancers, Yoshie is recognized worldwide for her influence on the global street dance scene. She is a multiple-time underground battle champion and made history by winning STREET KING - one of Japan’s most prestigious dance battles with a ¥2.5 million (approx. €14,000) grand prize - for two consecutive years. She also claimed her third ALL STYLE title at MyNavi DANCE ALIVE HERO’S 2022 FINAL, her first victory there in 12 years. In addition to her battle achievements, she has choreographed and performed for numerous artists in live concerts, television, music videos, and stage productions, remaining one of the leading figures in both the street dance and entertainment industries.

Kevin Saunderson (US)

DJ • Club Night

Platinum-selling recording artist, label boss, festival promoter, true innovator, cultural champion and cracking DJ: there’s a lot to be said about Kevin Saunderson.His influence runs deep through both his adopted hometown of Detroit and music culture as a whole. As one of the legendary Belleville Three, alongside Juan Atkins and Derrick May, he helped irreparably change the face of electronic music. With Inner City, alongside vocalist Paris Grey, he gave it some of its most memorable anthems, including “Big Fun” and “Good Life”, amassing 12 UK Top 40 hits and selling over six million records worldwide.His nickname, “The Elevator”, is apt: for his role in transporting Detroit’s new sound to a wider audience, for the high-energy, high-spirit and high-impact DJ sets he’s renowned for, and for a lifetime spent progressing the culture he helped create.

Waajeed (US)

DJ • Club Night

(Robert O’Bryant IV) is a Detroiter, musician, educator and, as his chosen name translates, “the mighty revealer.” Raised in Conant Gardens on Detroit’s east side-an incubator for techno, funk and underground hip-hop that produced artists such as Amp Fiddler and J Dilla-Waajeed became immersed in the city’s musical culture from an early age.At fourteen, he began collaborating as a DJ and producer with J Dilla, T3 and Baatin, becoming one of the founding members of the group that would eventually become Slum Village. His path has since moved fluidly across music and visual arts, always deeply rooted in the creative culture of his hometown.In 2000, Waajeed co-founded Platinum Pied Pipers, later establishing his own label Bling47 as a platform to amplify Detroit’s musical community. Through the label, he was among the earliest to release J Dilla’s instrumental work, while his own productions explored the space between hip hop and Detroit techno. In 2012, he continued that vision with Dirt Tech Reck, releasing music by artists including Amp Fiddler and Electric Street Orchestra.Waajeed’s work extends far beyond the dancefloor. In 2015, he founded Detroit’s Underground Music Academy (UMA), a music school championing artistic independence, autonomy and collective creation. Bringing together decades of work as a musician, producer, artist and community organizer, Waajeed remains dedicated to both progressing Detroit’s musical legacy and creating space for the generations that follow.

Physs (CV / FR)

Judge • Hip Hop 1vs1

Philippe Almeida, better known as Physs, is a cornerstone figure in the French hip-hop scene. In addition to being a choreographer for Mouvmatik Company, he serves as the educational coordinator of the Passeur Culturel program and has been teaching hip-hop at the Cergy Dance Training Centre for over 10 years. He is also one of the lead hip-hop instructors at Flow Dance Academy Paris.

Always seeking new ways to evolve, Physs is deeply committed to artistic development and cultural transmission. With more than 20 years of experience in the hip-hop community, he has earned international recognition through battles, performances, and teaching. We are incredibly excited to welcome him to Oslo to share his knowledge and experience with our community.

Mounia (FR)

Judge • W*acking 2vs2 • OTA Performance • Showcase Competition

We can finally welcome Mounia back to Extended!

Mounia Nassangar - A leading figure in whacking in France and internationally. She is a choreographer, dancer, model, DJ, event producer, and director of her own dance company. Dancing since the age of ten, she explored popping, locking, new style, house dance, street jazz & academic dances before specializing in whacking.

Moving seamlessly between different artistic realms, she cemented her international standing with victories at world-renowned competitions (Summer Dance Forever, Old School Night, Street Star etc.)

She is also an event producer and founder of the Waack In Paris collective, Mounia co-organizes iconic events such as Waack In Paris. The collective's expertise extends to other major national and international cultural events. In 2023, she founded her own dance company, cie.nassangar, and presented her first show. STUCK. Which is currently touring successfully across Europe. She also carries the Legendary status in ballroom and is a member of the Gorgeous House of Gucci.

Kim Holmes (US)

Judge • Hip Hop 1vs1 • House 1vs1

Ms.Kim Holmes is a multi-faceted artist who continues to create art and celebrate the dynamic movements from the diaspora. She is a passionate advocate for artists who find themselves navigating through the world of dance. As a Director of Universal Dance Movement and MopTop Universal she reminds of the importance of perseverance in times of conflict and believes in setting boundaries while maintaining peace. Her movement style integrates cultural norms with a great variety of social dances. Kim is a force to reckoned with, as she with many influential figures who have made their own stand through Hip-Hop and other forms.

HYA (CA)

Judge • Popping 1vs1 • Hip Hop 1vs1

Handy "HYA" Yacinthe is an influential and versatile street dance artist who has left a significant mark both in Canada and abroad. With an experience spanning 25 years, he has distinguished himself as a creator and multidisciplinary experimenter. He has worked extensively as a choreographer, director of short films, producer, mentor, composer, participant and organizer of battles, curator and performer. As founder of the JOAT International Street Dance Festival, a festival located in the heart of Montreal's Quartier des spectacles and Place des arts.

Archie Burnett (US)

Judge • W*acking 2vs2 • OTA Performance

The one and only Archie Burnett!

We are so proud to welcome Archie back as one of this year's judges. Founding grandfather of the iconic House of Ninja. Since the 70s and 80s Archie has marked his place in New York's street and club dance scene. Recognized for his w*acking and voguing, and been traveling the world for 40+ years to share his knowledge and love for dance.

A legend you simply must experience.

P.Lock (FR)

Judge • Locking 2vs2 • Popping 1vs1

P.Lock is a French locking dancer, teacher, mentor, and one of the leading figures in the international locking scene. With over 26 years of experience, he has developed a unique style and established himself as one of the most respected lockers in the world.

He has won many of the world's most prestigious battles, including Juste Debout four times (2006, 2008, 2013, and 2025), and has remained undefeated in 1vs1 battles since 2005. Beyond competing, P.Lock is a respected judge, teacher, organizer, and a dedicated figure for the growth and preservation of locking culture.

Dark Marc (NO)

Judge • Breaking crew vs crew

Dark Marc has been breaking since 1997 and has built a long and accomplished career. A former Norwegian Champion for 10 consecutive years, he has represented Norway internationally as both a competitor and judge at battles around the world.

Beyond battling, he has been teaching, taking part in stage productions, and the list goes on. Dark Marc has been in the game longer than most, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and talent that we're excited to share with you at Soul Sessions Extended.

Chriz Nypan (NO)

Judge • House 1vs1 • Showcase Competition • Rookie Open Styles 2vs2

Christine "Chriz" Nypan works as a performing and creating dance artist based in Oslo. She began her dance journey at X-Ray Youth Club, where she trained in hip-hop and was a member of the street dance groups Dayo and Cre8. She has continued her education and artistic development in street and club dance culture in Paris and New York.

Chriz is a member of the all-female house dance crew MAWU, based in New York City, and is the co-founder of MUD Session Oslo, an initiative dedicated to promoting house dance culture in Oslo through open sessions and club nights.

She holds a dance education from France, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PPU), and a Master's degree in Choreography from the Oslo National Academy of the Arts.

As a performer, creator, and researcher, Chriz works across a variety of artistic constellations and has collaborated with choreographers including Jens Trinidad, Anne Golberg Stavn, Mia Habib, Eszter Salamon, Saïdo Lehlouh, Membros, Viktor Frojd, and Marika Peura.

As a dance artist, Chriz is interested in exploring the body's unique, instinctive, and innate musicality—an activating force that resonates with vibrations, frequencies, and shifting states of being. She sees the body as a medium that communicates and translates what exists in the dynamic space between rawness and subtlety, the sensual and the indefinable.

Fredrik Quiñones (SE/CL)

Judge • W*acking 2vs2 • House 1vs1

Fredrik Quiñones is a Swedish-born dancer, choreographer, movement director, actor, and educator of Chilean descent. With a background spanning street and club dance, ballroom culture, contemporary dance, theatre, film, and commercial work, he has built an international career defined by his distinctive movement language and artistic versatility.

He has worked with artists including Sam Smith, Craig David, Robyn, Nile Rodgers, Ghost, Sebastián Yatra, and currently performs as a soloist for Swedish pop icon Agnes. His choreography credits include the Netflix feature Dancing Queens, where he also played a lead role.

Fredrik has won renowned events including Streetstar (Sweden), Italy Best Flava (Italy), Rep Your Style (USA), and Soul Sessions Oslo (Norway). He regularly teaches, judges, and mentors internationally, bringing both deep cultural knowledge and extensive competitive experience to every event. Wow - we’re beyond excited to welcome Fredrik to this years Extended festival!!

Zeps (US)

MC

Zeps is one of the freshest MCs out there, and he's back to set the vibe at Extended 2026. Soul Sessions Oslo and Zeps go way back, and we're proud to have him as a recurring part of the festival. Originally from Brooklyn and now based in Stockton, California, Zeps is a true Hip Hop activist with a deep commitment to all facets of the culture. Through his work, he shares knowledge the elements of Hip Hop, and, just as importantly, the powerful synergy between them. Alongside his work as an MC, Zeps is also the creator of Rhymosaurs, an inspiring children's book series that introduces new generations to Hip Hop culture through rhymes, stories, and creativity.

R-Zo (FR)

DJ • House 1vs1 • Club Night

R-Zo has been part of every Extended Festival since the very beginning in 2009, and is a true Soul Sessions friend – as well as one of the finest house DJs out there!

DJ R-Zo is a pioneer of Paris’ house dance scene, both behind the decks and on the dance floor. As a member of the DJ collective Point Carré, he has delivered everything from club classics to soulful gems – at the iconic Djoon club and through his radio mixes – always with pure energy and drive.

It’s always a joy for us to welcome R-Zo back to Oslo!

Diesel (NO)

MC • OTA Performance • House 1vs1

Diesel is of course with us this year as well! The Swedish-Norwegian-Iranian dancer has a background from the dance program at Carlforsska High School in Sweden, Åsa Folk High School (street dance program), as well as the Broadway Dance Center in New York (ISVP program in Contemporary Dance). He has been teaching and performing since 2008, both nationally and internationally, and is now also active as a judge in competitions across Europe.

Diesel has made his mark within the global BIPOC queer and trans Ballroom community, where he has won several European prizes and distinctions, including European Prince of Seduction 2019. Today, he is an up-and-coming legend in his category: Sex Siren.

The atmosphere he creates simply has to be experienced!

Mélange (NO)

DJ • Junior Open Styles 1vs1 • Rookie Open styles 2vs2

Oslo’s very own DJ Mélange is back! She’ll be playing at the Junior and Rookies battles, as well as at House Night. Having traveled the world as a DJ, Mélange brings influences from diverse cultures and scenes.

She is also a vocalist under the name Zee, and has collaborated with none other than Boddhi Satva.

MUD Session • DJ Ghar & DJ Niwin (NO)

DJs • Club Night

Our very own celebrated local heads, MUD resident DJs, @djgharofficial and @niwin_music aims to take us on a musical journey as they deliver a special set to get the crowd going and building an atmosphere on the dance floor! MUD stands for Movement Undefined and started as an open ‘House session’ for movers across different backgrounds. MUD Session concept was born in New York and created by the female House dance crew MAWU back in 2009, and later on brought to Norway, Oslo in 2015. Since then, MUD has been a common meeting ground where we share our spirit and love for House music, House dance and club culture. With roots in house, disco, funk and boogie music genre, MUD aims to recreate the atmosphere that has existed in the spirit of house clubbing culture for decades!

Tsireya 007 (NO)

Commentator • OTA performance

Tsireya 007 is a young Fem Queen who is a part of the newer generation of the Oslo Ballroom Scene. She walks Baby Vogue and Commentator vs Commentator and has already snatched several grand prizes for her categories. She is a new, refreshing and powerful voice in Ballroom, and will be chanting next to Diesel during OTA Performance at our Club Night!

Soldal (NO)

DJ • OTA Performance • Club Night

Soldal delivers high-energy club sets with a distinct, genre-defying mix of techno, house, UK funky, and grime. Guided by rhythm, groove, and narrative arc, she builds the dancefloor from start to finish.

Having played prestigious clubs and festivals across Norway and Europe, she has established herself as an uncompromising and playful DJ. She is one of the driving forces behind the KOSO CLUB concept, has collaborated with the ballroom community for years, and has released music on labels such as Soul Feeder, Ashida Park, Classical Trax, and HTS—where she explores the space between hard-hitting club music, experimental textures, and melodic hooks.

Banjee (NO)

DJ • Afterparty

A dynamic DJ known for their captivating skill to make people move. Banjee brings a unique mix of afro house, uptempo riddim tunes, Baile funk, and more to the dancefloor, creating a vibe that rarely resists. The moniker ”Banjee” itself is a fusion of ”Bougie” and ”ghetto,” encapsulating the individuality and style that Banjee brings to their music and persona, carrying it with pride. With a background of streetdance and ballroom, she'll be sure to keep you moving for the evening!

Nao (NO)

MC • Showcase Competion • Junior Open Styles 1vs1

Naomi Medina a.k.a. Nao, is a hip hop dancer and activist from Oslo. She is a member of B16 and grew up at Subsdans as a member of Subsdans Crew. Naomi has been involved in activism and anti-racism since her early teens through her work with various youth councils and organizations like the Anti-Racist Centre (Antirasistisk Senter), bringing this strong commitment directly into her work within the dance scene.

Funky Loffe (SE)

DJ • W*acking 2vs2 • Locking 2vs2 • Popping 1vs1

We are so excited to bring Funky Loffe back to Oslo!! DJ, music producer, and crate digger from Stockholm, Sweden, who has been rocking dance floors all over the world since the 90s. Often referred to as a music archaeologist, he is one of the pioneers of Swedish RareGroove and has a strong focus on Disco, Funk, and House from various sources.

He is also known for being one of the most popular DJs and producers in theballroom culture under his alias Loffe Beats.

A true nordic gem, who knows how to get everybody movin' and groovin'

Yurleyley (NO)

MC • Showcase Competiton • Hiphop 1vs1 • Locking 2vs2 • Junior Open Styles 1vs1 • Popping 1vs1 • Breaking crew vs crew • Rookie Open Styles 2vs2

Oslo's very own Yurley aka Yurleyley! A multi-artist within the hip hop culture. In addition to dancing, she’s spent the past few years developing her voice — and we’re proud to welcome her back as one of our MCs for the battles!

You might recognize her from KRAFT on NRK, the docu-series following young dancers through their upbringing, triumphs, and challenges. Yurley represents B16, Subsdans Crew, and Deep Down Dopeizm.

Tora 007 (NO)

Judge • OTA Performance

Tora ‘007’ Midtbø Skår is an Oslo-based performer, choreographer, and facilitator from Fjaler in Vestland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in contemporary dance and has worked with artists and companies such as Inés Belli, Fredrik Petrov/Jonathan Ibsen, and Jule Flierl (Panta Rei Danseteater).

Since completing her studies in 2020, Tora has developed a distinct choreographic practice that explores the interplay between vocal sound and bodily movement under varying states of tension. Through this exploration, she investigates how these elements can invite alternative ways of being and perceiving the world.

A vital figure in the Norwegian ballroom scene since 2018, Tora has played a significant role in shaping its development. She is the initiator of the ballroom-inspired club concept “Crash Club” and continues to invest deeply in the category of Vogue Fem—competing internationally, teaching, and organizing events. Since autumn 2022, she has been the only Norwegian member of The Elite Kiki House of Bodega.

Tora is currently touring with her first full-length group work, Eavesdropper, while also developing a solo piece that delves into accompliceship and the politics of naming.

She won the OTA Perfomance category in 2024 and is now back as a judge - welcome!!

Foolish (SE)

DJ • Hip Hop 1vs1 • Breaking 2vs2

We cannot wait to have DJ Foolish back behind the decks!! Gothenburg-based artist with a real heart for Hip Hop, mastering many elements. For some, Foolish is a notorious b-boy, repping the crew, Lack of Crowns. For others he is the ill emcee and producer with the name Mad Bogus. This guys crates are deep and as a dancer himself he knows what will make you move and groove!

Deydey (FR)

Judge • Popping 1vs1 • Junior Open styles 1vs1

DEYDEY is a French internationally renowned Popping dancer and one of the leading figures of the global scene. A pioneer and the first female World Popping Champion, she has spent over 20 years performing, competing, teaching, and judging worldwide. Her career includes collaborations with Madonna, Katy Perry, Martin Solveig, and major brands including Fendi, Nike, Red Bull, Adidas and BMW.

Killa Kim (UA/SE)

Judge • Breaking crew vs crew • Rookie Open Styles 2vs2

Killa Kim began her breaking journey in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2006. Over the past two decades, she has been an active dancer, mentor, and judge for some of the biggest breaking championships in the world. Her career spans both competitive battle stages and theater performances, along with representing her country as part of the Ukrainian Olympic breaking team.

Griimsen (DK/GMB)

Judge • Breaking crew vs crew • Junior Open Styles 1vs1

Finally we can welcome Griimsen to Extended! Griimsen is a Gambian-Danish bboy with 23 years in the breaking scene. Representing the crews The Ruggeds (NL), Lack of Crown (Scan), and Ccu7 (US/DK), he holds a stacked lineup of major world titles, including Unbreakable, Undisputed, World Breaking Classic, Battle of the Year, Floor is Flava, and the Danish Championship. Most importantly, alongside his crews, he continues to stand as a dedicated representative for real hip-hop.

Sophia Wekesa (FI)

Judge • Rookie Open Styles 2vs2

Sophia Wekesa (she/her) is a Helsinki-based dancer, DJ, performer, cultural activist, and educator. With almost two decades of experience in dancehall and a broad knowledge of street and club dance cultures, Sophia explores dance as a practice of freedom, connection, and collective joy.

Their work combines artistic practice with education on antiracism, cultural sensitivity, and the ethics of participating in dance cultures. Sophia is particularly interested in how race, gender, class, and power shape dance spaces and how we can build communities where people can move, express themselves, and take up space with greater freedom.

Whether teaching, DJing, or facilitating conversations, Sophia brings together social awareness, warmth, and a strong belief in the transformative power of dance and pleasure.

Mike Gamble (US)

MC • W*acking 2vs2

Mike Gamble is a multi-faceted Swedish-based American Choreographer. His career spans theater, musicals, and commercial productions in Los Angeles with artists like Chris Cornell and Panic! At the Disco, as well as brands like Nike and Apple. Since moving to Scandinavia in 2009, he has choreographed and performed on major stages such as the Gothenburg Opera, Dramaten, and Malmö Opera, alongside teaching from Stockholm to Copenhagen. Mike is also a dedicated cultural activist and podcast host, holding board and committee positions for organizations including Dansens Hus in Stockholm and the Swedish Arts Council, where he works to promote diversity, representation, and better conditions within the performing arts sector.

MC Habit (SE)

MC • DJ • Rapper • Hip Hop Night

We’re proudly presenting MC Habit for this years Hip Hop Night! He is a veteran of the Swedish underground hip hop scene, with roots tracing back to 90s hip hop and Stockholm's underground. As an MC, beatmaker, producer, and sound designer, he has been active across multiple hip-hop elements from a young age. Over the years, he has built close ties with some of the top dancers, graffiti artists, beatmakers, and DJs—both in Sweden and internationally.

During the 2000s, he made a name for himself within Stockholm's freestyle and underground scene. Since then, he has developed a distinct style where classic boom bap meets funk, futuristic beats, freestyle, wordplay, and unexpected remixes. He also runs At The Lab Studio, a music and film production company through which he has collaborated with established figures in the international and American hip-hop and film industries.

For hip hop night you can expect a mash up of rap, freestyle, his favorite tracks, original instrumentals, and remixes. The format moves seamlessly between a DJ set, live MCing, and a classic hip hop session!