The story of BATUKE! Festival
The Batuke! Festival started out of our passion for the music and dance of Afro - Portuguese countries. We realised that there is a special rapport and connection between all the Portuguese speaking countries, a recognition of common experiences through music and dance. In 2010, when we started there was no platform in the UK where Afro - Portuguese artists were represented, the community could experience their culture in a professional space, young and old, and share their common heritage. So, we decided to just go ahead and do it ourselves! We self produced initially through our regular events. It was very risky, but we believed in it so we made it work! The team derived from Iris De Brito social dance school at the time - Studio Afro Latino. Roles were delegated, artists contacted, plenty of volunteering support and voila! We became the go - to festival in the UK representing Afro-Portuguese culture, created a space for artistic development, cultural exchange and research. Guest artists came from the USA, France, Senegal, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique and the UK. We were founded by the Arts Council for 5 years and developed creative partnerships.
In 2019 we achieved a fantastic milestone with our 10th Anniversary and decided to have a break.
We are now looking towards developing a new event, investing in organisational development and research. Make sure you continue to follow us and connect with us through Afro - Portuguese culture!
Saturday 1st of April - One full day of Afrobeats, Dancehall fusion and Afro house!
Check out the program and videos below! Book online to guarantee your place as space is limited to studio size.
AfrobeatDivas is supported by Studio Afro Latino.
So, what's happening?
Following the success of last year, we are doing it again! One day full of workshops, dancing, exchanging and jamming with some of the most popular teachers in London, an awesome DJ AND a fabulous guest from the Czeck Republic!
>> 3 workshops + 3 Instructors + 1 DJ + YOU = A brilliant day!
>>There will be water and refreshments available as well as some Afro centric fashion on sale.
BOOK online to guarantee your place and receive a CD compilation of Afro-House and/or a link to download!
PROGRAM
Register: 12:30 - 13:00 // Iris De Brito class: 13:00 - 14:00 // Verona Patterson: 14:15 - 15:15 // Janca J: 15:30 - 17:00 // Dance Jam: 17:00 - 17:30
REGISTER 14:15 - 15:15
Verona Patterson
The master teacher. With a varied career she simply keeps on going, not ceasing to innovate and creating great events where people connect and find the love of dance.
Her Kuduro & Afrobeats class is for beginners and open level students but is probably the busiest in London! Meet her in person and be inspired for the day.
REGISTER 12:30 - 13:00
Iris De Brito
The master teacher. With a varied career she simply keeps on going, not ceasing to innovate and creating great events where people connect and find the love of dance.
Her Kuduro & Afrobeats class is for beginners and open level students but is probably the busiest in London! Meet her in person and be inspired for the day.
REGISTER 15:30 - 17:00
Janca J
This dancer emanates from the Czeck Republic and is simply a powerhouse of talent. She has so many youtube views, we've lost count!!
Janca travels all around the world teaching Afrohouse, Hip Hop Girly, Azonto...
Be prepared for fat footwork and bring your energy pill!!