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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!
Vitor Mendes
& Ivona
Ghetto Zouk / Modern Kizomba
(Cape Verde + Prague)
Vitor is a certified fitness instructor and uses his cultural background to share his love for health in body & mind. He teaches worldwide in the festival circuit and been featured in the press in Prague where he moved a few years ago: "In dance, I see limitless possibilities of music interpretation, self-expression and connection with a dance partner. Kizomba is a couple dance, therefore, there is an important communication, connection and confidence not only in yourself but also in your dance partner. Developing his new concept "Ghetto Zouk dance", be ready for sharp, fast footwork!
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