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!
African marketplace
Afrocks is an online platform created in London that connects clients with afro/natural hair stylists for in-home services... in short, it is the Uber of hair stylists indeed!
This time, we come to you!
Check out Afrocks 'Hair Styling Station' and get an up to 30 minutes customized cornrows hair style at a special BATUKE! price... Book, Get styled, Slay.
Warning: Saturday Only!
The Rum Doctor (T.R.D.) is a small yet growing business with a passion for rum. We make flavoured rum with a difference, an easy way to drink white rum with a kick. Giving you the remedy you need for all occasions. With the fruity flavours of T.R.D. you'll feel like you’re under the sun in the Caribbean with a cool sea breeze.
That sounds great right? Then make sure you try our lime & vanilla or our pineapple & cinnamon. If you feel more adventurous, then why not try our chocolate sensation: this is a chocolate lover's heaven in a bottle. The Rum Doctor, a taste with no barriers, t's not just rum, it’s a lifestyle and we can't wait for BATUKE! Festival.
Shika Accessories is a new brand which provides highly sophisticated unique, handmade and ethically sourced ladies African accessories.
Sika, the young lady who created this brand, was born in England and raised in Africa where she fell in love with the vibrancy of African designs, colours and culture. In spite of her professional and academic achievements, she kept her dreams of being involved with fashion, arts and crafts alive.
In 2014, after a short holiday to Ghana, the passion was re-ignited and led to the creation of this brand.The elegance, uniqueness and quality of our designs make this brand stand out and we are excited to introduce these amazing pieces, made with love to the world.
Check out Shika's range of Afro Purses & Sandals at BATUKE!
With the motto "It's only natural that all our ingredients are organic and vegan friendly", Only Natural offers a unique line of handmade organic skin products.
Only Natural's founder is Hortense Muhammad, a multi-talented individual who describes herself as a Mix Inventor: make sure you visit her stall whilst at BATUKE!
Delisus
"quality food, superb taste"
authentic Portuguese food
One of last year's feedback was that participants needed more time to connect with each other throughout the festival. Not only we've spaced classes out so that there is more time to take a breather, chat with other students and of course drink and eat.
That's where Delisus comes in: a family business catering for an array of occasions, from birthdays to weddings to corporate! Expect an affordable selection of Portuguese finger food, both savoury and sweet, available day and night @ BATUKE! Festival.
Menu:
Tuna's pastry Prawn's pastry Vegetarian's pastry Ham & Cheese pastry Banana Cake Orange Cake
Innovative - Fresh - Unique: that's how Ziindya epitomises the coming together of two cultures, in one aesthetic. Established in 2013 in London, the brand reflects my origins, being born in France, raised in both Marseille and London and of West African origins.
The extensive collection combines classic streetwear and chic innovative jewellery pieces with an African aesthetic. It includes handcrafted one of a kind pieces of jewellery and our most popular items; the Afro Super Man & Nubia (Afro Wonder Woman) t-shirts.
Kelis Africa is a contemporary African Fashion Label retailing clothes and jewellery. Our passion is to offer fashionable clothes and accessories inspired by our heritage.
Using the bold colors & patterns that are the hallmark of African-print fabric, all of our pieces are handmade from West Africa and we look forward to participating to BATUKE!
My name is Debbie Bryant from South London and I operate my massage business “Bee-Revitalized” from my home studio. I also work at festivals, corporate and community events.
My love of massage began from an early age. My mum has suffered from back injury for years and I’d help ease her pain whenever needed. It was only when my Dad became ill years later that I realised the energy & relief massages gave him came right back to me & left me feeling extremely tranquil and at peace.
I studied it at UCL in 2012 with a wonderful and inspirational teacher. It was then that I knew I had found my vocation and wanted to continue to grow in this wonderful field. My skills include Holistic massage, Seated Acupressure, Hot stone, Thai Yoga Massage and Tailor made treatments to suit the client’s needs.
My aim is to allow clients who come for treatment, to leave feeling better than when they arrived! I am registered therapist with the Massage Training Institute (MTI), with full insurance.
I’m Gary Rollins and Mind the Gap Massage is my Mobile Massage service for East London and the Home Counties borders. I practice our family motto daily - “Do what you can, for whomever you can, for as long as you can”.
Having been on many a treatment couch as a young aspiring professional cricketer; I know the value of good therapeutic support. I became inquisitive as to how massage worked, so I returned to study, I learnt and passed!
So I came to massage later in life, yet life has given me a toolbox of skills and experiences that I draw on to enhance my passion for the gift that I have acquired; and it is that passion I bring to you: you’re in Good Hands!
Registered with the Massage Training Institute (MTI) and fully insured.