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!
PARTNERSHIPS
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Arts Council England
Since 2015, Arts Council England recognised BATUKE! Festival as an important event for the promotion of Afro-Luso music & dance in the UK and beyond.
Kizomba UK is proud to receive the support from Arts Council England, enabling artistic developments of dancers active in the field of Afro Luso dances.
Being backed by Arts Council England also means access to the festival is kept affordable, with Full Pass starting at £40 only and being kep under £70!
Other initiatives made possible by this partnership include BATUKE! Kids, a unique proposition allowing kids to participate to the event for FREE.
Support BATUKE! Festival by purchasing your pass now and help us continue the exploration of the origins and influences of Afro-Luso music & dance.
Rich Mix is a charity providing access to culture for all in East London.
A hub for real artists from a diverse array of countries, let alone backgrounds’ London Remixed Festival Rich Mix is East London’s independent arts centre.
Once a vast leather factory, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road was transformed into a multi-arts venue, all 62,000 feet of it. Stretched over five floors we have a three screen cinema showing the latest releases as well as taking part in a number of independent film festivals. There is also a multitude of flexible performance spaces where we work with both emerging and established artists, and support them to deliver and develop their artistic practice.
Our aim is to be a place where the communities of the world, who are the citizens of East London and beyond, can come together to experience and make world class art and feel that it’s a place where they belong. We are committed to delivering excellent art to increasing and increasingly diverse audiences.
In addition to our full programme of cinema, live music, theatre, dance, spoken word, comedy, family activities and exhibitions, we are proud to be home to 20 creative businesses, all of whom help make Rich Mix the vibrant, special place it is.
As a charity and social enterprise we earn almost 85% of our overall running costs, and we are proud to be financially self-sufficient.
Sean Williams is proof that being passionate about music and other cultures can transform you.
Self - taught "DJ Britanico" regularly travels to Portugal and immerses himself with local Afro -Portuguese culture.
He has learnt from the best and continues to refine his craft playing at some of the best events in the UK. Sean created Kizomba Manchester and collaborates with all major promoters nationally.
Studio Afro Latino
Studio Afro Latino, is on a mission to "supporting, developing and empowering the teaching and promotion of Kizomba & Afro-Luso culture".
Founded in 2004 by LUKAS award winner Iris De Brito, Studio Afro Latino is based in London with branches in the rest of the UK & Europe.
Kizomba * Semba * Kuduro * Afrobeats * Coupe Decale * Fusion * Rumba * Salsa
Studio Afro Latino instructors went through intense training, are passionate and aim to deliver good standards in social ethics on the dance floor.
The Studio Afro Latino team (a.k.a. S.A.L. team) is known for its expertise, reliability and professionalism and will be an integral part of BATUKE! Festival.
Kizomba UK
Created in 2008, Kizomba UK is a promotional structure organising quality events in the UK and the rest of Europe.
We've held events at some of the top locations in London, Shaka Zulu, Ruby Blue, 229 The Venue, Rich Mix London, to name a few.
We've also organized community events and continue to design original events, including BATUKE! Festival since 2017.