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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!
Akosua Boakye
(Ghana / UK)
Akosua Boakye regularly work in casting and training kids for Lion's King musical in London West End. She is also an ADAD trailblazer and the founder and director of AkomaAsa Performing Arts Academy (APAA) a school that specialises in Western & African Performing arts for 7- 11+ in dancing, singing, acting drumming, musical Theatre. Don't miss her Kids Workshop at 2pm on Saturday which will be followed by a sharing session at 4pm in front of ALL BATUKE! participants! Kids Workshop is only £1 when purchasing an adult full pass and kids are welcome to attend other workshop too (under adult supervision).
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