Skillz Dance Festival: A fusion of tradition and modern expression

The seventh edition of the Skillz Dance Festival, held from October 18 to 19 at Design Hub in Bugolobi, Kampala, was nothing short of spectacular.

This year’s edition transcended the typical hip-hop dance battles that dominate the continent’s youth scene, delivering a transformative fusion of African tradition and urban expression.

For dance enthusiasts, the festival was a profound testament to cultural inclusion, unity, and the celebration of African identity, art, and heritage.

The festival began with an electrifying surprise: an African traditional dance showcase that captivated the audience instantly. The energy at Design Hub surged, drawing nearby office workers and onlookers to the mesmerizing spectacle.

The performances, choreographed by young artists from Sosolya Undugu Dance Academy and Bwengula Arts Academy, were led by James Baker Bamwendele—a 68-year-old cultural dance veteran and ambassador of the Babwisi, Batalinga, Bamba, Bhahumu, and Vonoma tribes of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda’s Rwenzori region. 

Bamwendele, a court entertainer and a voice for these marginalized tribes, brought a deep sense of history and gravitas to the festival. His guidance infused the dances with a powerful reminder of cultural inclusion and the necessity of preserving Africa's diverse heritage.

The young performers, despite their urban roots, embodied the grace and reverence of their ancestors, creating a shared moment of reflection on the importance of celebrating African traditions in their most authentic form. In an age when African youth are increasingly shaped by global influences, this performance stood as a powerful call to reconnect with roots and embrace our true African identities.

Other notable traditional performances from Watwero Dance Initiative, Nilotika Cultural Ensemble, Authentic Voices, Kakuma Sounds, and DJ Crazy Mind showcased the rich sounds and movements of the Lugbara, Madi, Baganda, Basoga, Acholi, and Dinka tribes of Uganda and South Sudan.

One of the most powerful segments was an acrobatics and circus piece performed by eight young men, which tackled the theme of global peace. The performance criticized the male-dominated leadership of major economies that, for decades, have been embroiled in conflicts driven by ego and ambition. The dancers portrayed the futility of war, bringing the audience face-to-face with the possibility of nuclear destruction, and called for a new era of dialogue and planetary collaboration.

Another emotionally charged moment came when the dancers addressed Gen Z’s addiction to mobile phones and social media. In a world where human connection is being replaced by online influence, the performers showed how empathy and physical interaction are slowly disappearing.

The final piece addressed corruption and climate change, calling out the ineffectiveness of global politicians who continue to hold endless conferences and meetings but fail to take meaningful action.