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.
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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!
"Connecting Through Afro Luso Culture"
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BATUKE!
Afro Luso Festival
10th ANNIVERSARY
23 - 26 August 2019
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We've celebrated 10 years promoting Afro - Portuguese culture with the support of:
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The Arts Council of England
Sushiraw Productions
Kizomba Manchester
Bonga Kwenda & Band
BATUKE
Dance Academy
Led by Iris De Brito the academy is undergoing a period of research and re-structure, hence offering less public / open classes.
Iris is currently in study and involved in different artistic collaborations.
You can still join the following classes:
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MONDAY
Afro Cuban Jazz
8:00 - 9:30pm // Open Level
£60 before course starts / £70 on the first day / £12 Drop in
@ The Place, Dukes's St WC1
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TUESDAY
Afrobeats 4 All
7:30 - 8:45pm / General Level
£75 8 X week course / £12 Drop in
@ The Space, 31 Falkirk St, entrance on Redvers Street ( Off Kingsland rd)
London N1 6HQ
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GINGA
Friday 14th February 2020
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The original mixed Kizomba party!
with
DJ Fofucho + DJ Santiano
Kizomba Warm up @ 9:45pm
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Dress code: Smart romantic + Wear a mask
First 10 couples get a rose!!
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Magicians
Animation
Food available from 8pm
Room 2 playing R&B
Party 'till 4am
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£10 All night ( inc Kizomba class)
FREE Shot B4 11pm
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1st Floor lounge@Aquum
68-70 Clapham High St SW4 7UL
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