Changing the face of dance in Uganda
Nov 03, 2006
Cissy Namuddu, a graduate of dance from Makerere University believes there is a gap in the dance industry in Uganda. Together with 25 young professional dancers, the group has been making a lot of waves on the social and entertainment scene.
By Sebidde Kiryowa
Cissy Namuddu, a graduate of dance from Makerere University believes there is a gap in the dance industry in Uganda. Together with 25 young professional dancers, the group has been making a lot of waves on the social and entertainment scene.
Rather than ape popular western boy bands or capitalise on popular western dance moves, as the trend is with other dance groups, Rhythm Africa is out to reinvigorate local traditional dance as well.
The group has already made a lot of waves on the social and entertainment scene with their blend of traditional, cultural and contemporary dance routines.
They have performed at product launches, kwanjulas (wedding introduction ceremonies), association dinners like the Makerere College Old Students Association (MACOSA) at Kampala Sheraton Hotel recently.
But after about a year of activity behind the scenes, Rhythm Africa feels that they have gained enough experience to launch into the mainstream arena.
This Sunday, November 5, the group will officially be launched in a show at Kati Kati Restaurant on Lugogo Bypass, Kampala. The show, which Namuddu describes as a “dance extravaganza†will feature seasoned singer Joanita Kawalya; novice Sarah Zawedde; Gospel singer May Namuddu; dancehall aficionados Master Parrot and No Creature, among others.
Entrance fee is sh45,000 for VIPs and sh5,000 for general seating.
Namuddu says the group will showcase traditional dances from all over Uganda, spiced up with Indian creative dances.
“It is going to be very professional. This is the very first of its kind. We are here to make a difference in the dance industry in Uganda and it will show. It is going to be about celebrating Ugandan culture through dance,†Namuddu says.
She says that musicians have dominated the entertainment scene for so long and it is high time dance took centre stage.
“But Rhythm Africa is not just here to make a mark,†she emphasizes,
“We are professionals – skilled and trained in the art of dance. Our ultimate goal is to professionalise the industry. We want to lead by example.
Cissy Namuddu, a graduate of dance from Makerere University believes there is a gap in the dance industry in Uganda. Together with 25 young professional dancers, the group has been making a lot of waves on the social and entertainment scene.
Rather than ape popular western boy bands or capitalise on popular western dance moves, as the trend is with other dance groups, Rhythm Africa is out to reinvigorate local traditional dance as well.
The group has already made a lot of waves on the social and entertainment scene with their blend of traditional, cultural and contemporary dance routines.
They have performed at product launches, kwanjulas (wedding introduction ceremonies), association dinners like the Makerere College Old Students Association (MACOSA) at Kampala Sheraton Hotel recently.
But after about a year of activity behind the scenes, Rhythm Africa feels that they have gained enough experience to launch into the mainstream arena.
This Sunday, November 5, the group will officially be launched in a show at Kati Kati Restaurant on Lugogo Bypass, Kampala. The show, which Namuddu describes as a “dance extravaganza†will feature seasoned singer Joanita Kawalya; novice Sarah Zawedde; Gospel singer May Namuddu; dancehall aficionados Master Parrot and No Creature, among others.
Entrance fee is sh45,000 for VIPs and sh5,000 for general seating.
Namuddu says the group will showcase traditional dances from all over Uganda, spiced up with Indian creative dances.
“It is going to be very professional. This is the very first of its kind. We are here to make a difference in the dance industry in Uganda and it will show. It is going to be about celebrating Ugandan culture through dance,†Namuddu says.
She says that musicians have dominated the entertainment scene for so long and it is high time dance took centre stage.
“But Rhythm Africa is not just here to make a mark,†she emphasizes,
“We are professionals – skilled and trained in the art of dance. Our ultimate goal is to professionalise the industry. We want to lead by example.