Batalo East

Batalo East was formed to link and strengthen the traditional and urban arts together – to encourage innovation in the arts, preservation of culture, and ultimately, the development of young people who have strong roots in their home culture, a sense of identity and place, but who are also equipped with skills and confidence to engage and contribute to an increasingly internationalized and borderless world.

In 2013, Batalo East piloted a two-day dance festival and battle in Kampala, Uganda, to test the viability and relevance of the urban/hip-hop/traditional synergy for young people and communities. The response was overwhelmingly positive – there is a gap to fill which addresses this loss of connection with traditional cultures, and Batalo East is committed to filling this gap, and bringing a new form of artistry and global citizen to the world stage.

Batalo East aims to do this through the development of new dance forms merging traditional and hip-hop elements, but aims for a spillover effect – as young people develop themselves as dancers, and carry this rooted identity to all parts of their personal and professional lives, in their individual journeys.

While based in Uganda, Batalo East's objectives address a universal issue, and Batalo East collaborates with other like-minded organizations around the globe. Already in its inaugural year in 2013, Batalo East worked with youth and arts organizations from Uganda, the DRC, Canada and Germany, and the list will grow in 2014!