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BATALO EAST DANCE FEST 2024 REVIEW
Celebrating Culture, and Cultural Preservation "Traditional Meets Urban,”.
The Batalo Dance Festival 2024 marked a significant milestone as the festival celebrated its 10th edition, reaffirming a decade-long commitment to cultural preservation, innovation, and community empowerment through dance. Since its inception in 2013 at the National Theatre, the festival has grown into a national cultural platform, engaging over 1,000 young performers from across Uganda and beyond.
Over the past ten years, the festival has successfully established an intergenerational space that bridges traditional and urban dance forms, encouraging artistic innovation, personal development, and cultural continuity. Through training, performances, documentation, archiving, networking, and collaboration, the Batalo Dance Festival has played a key role in preserving cultural knowledge while supporting contemporary artistic expression.
The 2024 edition was held on 14 December 2024 at the Batalo East Creative Center in Kachonga, Butaleja District. The Creative Center continues to stand as a vibrant home for cultural preservation, intergenerational dialogue, and social growth through the arts. The festival was free and open to all ages, ensuring inclusive access for community members.
Overall, the Batalo Dance Festival 2024 successfully strengthened cultural pride, youth empowerment, and community cohesion. The festival reinforced Batalo East’s role as a leading cultural institution dedicated to uniting generations, preserving heritage, and shaping the future of Art and dance in Uganda. As the festival moves forward, it remains committed to fostering unity, creativity, and sustainable cultural development.
Diverse Performances
The festival featured over 30 artists from Butaleja, Kaberamaido, Kampala, and Rwanda, including traditional dance troupes, local musicians, and urban dance crews. Audiences experienced electrifying performances that showcased Uganda’s diverse clans and tribes while celebrating the dynamic fusion of African traditions and urban dance styles.
KADODI
KADODI TRADITIONAL DANCE
Performed by: Indonyi Yapaa Uganda from Mbale.
Performing artists:
Byansi Bam, Mubakali Kabayi, Nabukonde Marcy, Baseke Aisha, Takali Fatuma, and Nafuna Mary.
KUMAM traditional instruments
KUMAM traditional instrument and a song that celebrates KUMAM women. Performed by Ogobai Jazz Band from Kaberamaido District.
Performing Artists: Apio Martha , Apio sofiya , Enyengu Robert, Edwogu David, Otim bazil, Odongo Charles, Olota jimmy, Ewau Abel, Agero Miriam, Obol Moses, Ocuga martin , Ibito Priscilla, Ecaku Enosi, Eumu Jacob, Arago faith, Oyuu Samuel, Elamu Kenneth, and Igeto scovia.
The Shared Echoes.
Dance performance from Kampala, Uganda.
Choreography by: Kateregga Umar Nafi
Performed by:
Agaba Mathias Bob and Kateregga Umar
Present tense:
Choreographed and performed by Elvis Elasu (Levy) from Jinja
The Face Behind The Facade
Choreographed by: Hamisi Amdallah (Eya Khalifa from Kigali Rwanda
Dancers: Ingabire Gisele, Sifa Mukantwari, Ngabo Elvis, Nshimiyimana Richard, Kashonga Kabango Jonathan, Uwimbabazi Clementine
Music by: Ishimwe Cedrick, Amani Mahoro, Divine
Produced by:
Goethe Institute Kigali
Artists from Butaleja District.
- Born to Be Bad urban dancers.
- Amabega performed by Suna cultural troupe.
- NASALE traditional dance.
- Performed by: HAGOLA HUHOlEIANIGHALA CULTURAL.
- COOL ZAGA urban dancers.
- Born to challenge urban dancers
- HANJEHE YOUTH From Butaleja District.
