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East Africa’s breaking community is set to converge in Kampala on 28–29 August as Uganda hosts the second edition of the Afro Break East Africa Qualifiers. Organized through a collaboration between Afro Break Academy ,Dance Nexus ,and Abalibawo Hip Hop Foundation, with support from SKillz Dance Fest, Dance Strikt, Kigali Breaking Festival and the wider global breaking and hip-hop community, the event marks another important milestone in the growth of breaking across the regi

Open Call: Join the Creative Team Behind Oduma in Theatre Applications are now open for Dance Artists, Choreographers, Costume Designers, and Make-up Artists. The Oduma in Theatre Project is pleased to announce an open call for creative collaborators to join the next phase of an ambitious multidisciplinary theatre production that brings together indigenous knowledge, contemporary performance, music, movement, and visual storytelling. Rooted in extensive cultural research and

A Celebration of Fashion, Movement, Sound, and Creative Community The British Council Uganda Creative Showcase Programme 2026 became a powerful reminder of what is possible when creatives, organisations, and communities come together around a shared vision. Bringing together artists, designers, dancers, musicians, creative entrepreneurs, and audiences, the showcase transformed a single space into a living ecosystem of creativity, exchange, and cultural expression. From fashio

We are proud to be part of the British Council Uganda Creative Showcase Programme, a platform that demonstrates the power of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening Uganda’s creative ecosystem. This showcase brings together artists, designers, musicians, dancers, cultural organisations, creative entrepreneurs, and audiences to exchange ideas, share practice, and celebrate the innovation shaping contemporary African creativity. In collaboration with IGC Fashion, Nyege Nyeg

There is a lot to learn when it comes to dance in Uganda. Over the years, the conversation around dance development has often centered around Kampala and the major urban spaces, but one of the most important lessons we have learned since 2015 has come from Northern Uganda, especially through our journeys to Gulu and Kitgum. What started as small conversations with friends slowly opened our eyes to a region that has been quietly and consistently building one of the most commit

As we step into the festive season, we at SKillz pause with deep gratitude and pride to reflect on what has truly been a remarkable year. What a season it has been. What a journey it has been. From the first beat of the year to the final echoes of the dance floor, 2024–2025 has reminded us why movement, community, and collaboration remain at the heart of Africa’s dance culture. Our year began powerfully in February, when we officially opened the dance season with the Afro Bre

A deep look at infrastructure, service roles, and the Dance Nexus — the next chapter of Uganda’s creative evolution. By Rique Orenia Uganda’s dance sector is experiencing a cultural moment. From cyphers in Kampala’s creative hubs to traditional troupes in communities across the country, dance has become one of the most vibrant youth-driven art forms in East Africa. The passion is undeniable. The talent is remarkable. The community is resilient. But as powerful as the movement

Dance in East Africa is predominantly characterised by self-training. When the infrastructure to grow in dance relies on you, the movements of your individual human body; the pressure and demands can be high. The same is true for the Festival makers who in turn, by trial and error, create spaces that respect and listen to the artist/ dance maker. As Roz Marie powerfully says; we need to become our own ‘service providers’ which applies to the festival maker, dancer, choreograp

By Rique Orenia A few weeks ago, I was catching up with some friends—old comrades from our most active breaking years. We found ourselves reminiscing about that era when all we wanted was to make it happen: to train hard, show up, and be part of the generation of breakers who would battle at the biggest jams. Back then, the local jams mattered. We waited for them. We lived for them. And nothing hit harder than Break Fast Jam—the major event that shaped our dreams and tested o

2 vs 2 Freestyle battles @ skillz | Dancer Nguru Cohen in Action | Photo taken by Remicrag SKILLZ Dance Festival Recap: Celebrating Dance, Culture, and the Champions of 2025 The SKILLZ Dance Festival continues to stand as one of East Africa’s most dynamic platforms for youth creativity, cultural exchange, and artistic excellence. This year’s festival brought together dancers, educators, creatives, and communities from across the region for a powerful celebration of movement.

Experience the rhythm. Feel the culture. Live the movement. Skillz Dance Fest returns for its 9th edition — a vibrant celebration of dance, creativity, and community that unites East Africa’s boldest movers, thinkers, and dreamers. From the lake to the city, this year’s festival takes you on an unforgettable journey through rhythm, style, and connection. The journey begins with the Nalubaale Dance Retreat , a 24-hour immersive experience on the tranquil waters of Lake Victori

As we step into the ninth edition of Skillz Dance Fest, we are reminded of why this journey began — the power of dance to awaken spirit, heal community, and reconnect us to the pulse of culture. This year, we are elevating that purpose with a brand-new opening experience: The Nalubaale Dance Retreat. Set on the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria, the retreat invites dancers, movers, creators, and seekers into an immersive world where nature, rhythm, and wellbeing come into perf

It had been a minute since we last saw each other. But last Saturday, we decided to change that—with a boat ride and a trek to Mutima , a quiet stretch tucked within Mukono District’s Mpatta Sub-county . The sub-county lies among the Lake Victoria peninsulas, reachable from several landing sites around Kampala. We chose Ggaba , famous for its deep-fried fish, potatoes, and ever-bustling market energy. There, we met Adam , my longtime friend and trusted boatman since 2018. In