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!
2019 Batuke! Festival
programme
All shows, parties, workshops & concert @ RichMix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA
Join us in celebrating 10 years of connecting people through Afro - Portuguese culture. Create memories, meet people, learn about another culture and dance your heart out!!
Friday 23rd
Artist concert
Best way to start your weekend watching of the most iconic singers of Angolan culture Bonga Kwenda singing hits and telling stories.
Dress code: Gala
Party 'till 1am
@RichMix
Saturday 24th
Shows & Party
Join us for an amazing night! Production show with KAYSHA + invited artists.Party with our guru DJs dancing 'till your feet hurt!
Dress code: Wakanda
Kizomba class 21:30 with Studio Afro Latino
Party 'till 5am. No entry after 3am.
@RichMix
Sunday 25th
Workshops
Daily workshops, seminar presentation, afro marketplace, food, social, check the full programme!
Dress code: Sexy Beach
Dino DaCruz & Eliza Sala show
Social dancing and food 'till 11pm
@RichMix
monday 26th
Carnival parade
Did you learn your Carnival routine? No? You can still join us! Parade with us for a lifetime experience!
Dress code: Batuke T-shirt + carnival outfit
We leave the parade at 4pm, please watch carnival leaders.
Sunday workshops
11:00 - 12:00
Panel discussion & Coffee Lounge
Arrive just before 11, grab a coffee or tea and join us with a panel of artists & speakers discussing the globalisation of Kizomba and how it affects culture. Q & A at the end. Prof. Ananya Kabir from Kings College University will lead the conversation and talk about her Modern Moves research project.
12:00 to 13:00
Kizomba & Tarraxinha
Wilson & Lydia
Level 1/2
Ginga & Banga Styling
Dino Da Cruz & Elisa Sala
Level 1/2
Take a break, have LUNCH, visit the Afro Marketplace and check out the many stalls on offer, from fashion to food or getting your hair done!
13:30 to 15:30
Semba de riscar o chao
Dino Da Cruz & Elisa Sala
Intermediate Level
Afrobeats 4 All
Iris De Brito
Open Level
Have a break, meet friends, shop at the Afro Marketplace, practice your moves, chat with the artists and be ready for the next classes!
16:00 to 18:00
Percussion & Song class
Live drums
Tama & Iris De Brito
Open Level
Afrohouse Jam!
Akram & Yllian
Open Level
18:00 - 18: 30
18:30 - 22:00
Final Workshop with all artists, attendees + live drumming + group photos
Stay around for more dancing, chatting & eating 'till 10pm in our special BATUKE! "Quintal de Domingo"
Where to stay?
hotels
we
recommend
