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!
Kizomba!
Kizomba is the new Salsa! Seriously.
Since 2008, we've organised events at some of the most prestigious locations in London such as: Shaka Zulu, Ruby Blue & Bloomsbury Ballroom, to name a few.
Our speciality is Afro-Luso themes but we can also do Cuban and contemporary.
We've also organized community events and continue to design original events for you to experience and remember. Check BATUKE!
For the most updated programme of events, check out below or follow us directly on Facebook:
Who We Are
We're a promotion & events company specializing in music & dance from the larger Luso African diaspora.
We organize club nights, corporate events & festivals. We also promote singers, DJs & dance experiences from artists that work with musical genres such as: Zouk, Kizomba, AfroBeats, Semba, Coupe Decale, Kuduro & Azonto.
Make it Special
Birthdays
Hen / Stag Do
Group Bookings
Corporate entertainment
We provide a range of dance experiences: professional & friendly approach and competitive prices for your birthday, Hen / Stag Do, Corporate entertainment, private events:
