The Kaya Dance Festival, created in 2018, is a bustling melting pot of cultures, bringing together participants from all over the world through the universal language of dance, with a focus on the growth and appreciation of the art of dance. The event takes place annually in Mozambique and has already won recognition from the National Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries, creating opportunities for dancers internationally and boosting the careers of Mozambican artists.
The 4th edition of Kaya, which took place from 21 to 25 September, featured artists, teachers, dancers, DJs and dance enthusiasts from more than 15 countries, including the USA, Angola, France, Portugal, Paraguay, South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, Zambia, Eswatini, Cuba, Botswana, Spain, Argentina, Norway and Poland. The event brought together almost 500 participants, Mozambican and foreign, in activities such as themed and social parties, workshops, bootcamps and performances, held in venues such as Casino Polana, Opium, Broadway and Cais 66, as well as guided tours of the city and charity work at the Madre Maria Clara home.
As well as Afro-Latin rhythms, such as kizomba, salsa, bachata, merengue and reggaeton, the festival also promoted rhythms of one hundred per cent Mozambican origin, such as marrabenta, xigubo and mapiko, with the aim of promoting our dance and culture.
At this 4th edition, among other notable artists, those present included Júnior & Frida, from Mozambique, Isabelle & Felicien, from France, Mestre Petchu, from Angola, Waka-waka Dance, from Tanzania, Mike & Msti, from Botswana, Jay & Anita, from Zambia, Elena Bernes, from Cuba, Envans & Lola, from South Africa, Dj E-Kins, from Ghana, and other Mozambican and South African artists.
Júnior & Frida, Mozambican dancers and founders of this project, already have a considerable list of appearances in various competitions and festivals in countries such as Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, the Netherlands, Tanzania and Botswana, representing Mozambique and Kaya, and in doing so spreading and elevating our culture.
The 5th edition of the Kaya Dance Festival already has a date: 25 to 29 September 2024. Stay tuned to find out more about the event. Kaya is ours!
Words from Sílvia Sacur, dancer and official commentator of the event:
Witnessing the dynamic and mesmerising performances of each of these artists transported me to different corners of the globe, reminding me of the essence of tradition, passion and the telling of unique stories of the origin of dance, leaving the audience in awe.
The festival’s ability to create a harmonious atmosphere, where cultures mingle gracefully, shows the incredible power of dance as a unifying force. The inclusion of workshops and networking sessions provided an invaluable space for everyone’s growth and collaboration.
The Kaya Parties are one of the greatest highlights of the whole event, where we can take the chance to dance, meet people and embark on memorable nights full of energy and fun. From this year’s themes, which brought together the old and the modern, from the usual to the traditional that is our capulana, everyone turned the dance floor into a fashion show, with lots of sparkle and colour; the tours of the city by "txopela" to showcase some tourist spots, and ending the events and workshops with a visit to the Madre Maria Clara Home, which was the high point of the festival, everything showed that, united and pooling our efforts bit by bit, we make many people happy. Even better was the little dance class we were able to give the girls and nuns at the home.
There is no doubt that those who were lucky enough to attend this year’s festival will be eager to return in future editions, drawn by the enchanting emotions and remarkable experience the festival offers. It was five days of great intensity and full-hearted joy."
Some other testimonials:
Mike & Msti:
“We got to know Mozambique because of the Kaya festival. Thank you so much for the opportunity to dance and for your welcome.”
Mestre Petchu:
“KAYA is a typically Mozambican festival, made by dancers for dancers, and, as always, I love being in Mozambique to share the passion for life and art.”
