Photographers Meg Stacker, Scott Macklin (Obumu Collective), and Jonathan Cunningham have collaborated with One Vibe-Africa, in Kenya and the Bavabuka Foundation, in Uganda to do an art showcase, Ziwa, at art gallery 2312; off 2nd Ave in downtown Seattle. The showcase brings awareness to their recent works and introduces their newest projects that they are working on. The grand opening of the showcase featured some performances from Kenyan and Ugandan artists, as well as the foundations founders and photographers briefly speaking. The art will be displayed all month, and all the proceeds go towards strengthening both foundations art programs for the youth. In this episode, we got a look inside both foundations and One Vibe- Africa's newest photo project.
Ugandan local Faisal Mostrixx has made a name for himself by expertly fusing traditional tribal dance moves with contemporary hip hop. He explains what dance means in Uganda and why his work as a teacher, mentor and choreographer is making a difference.
BY Kieran Yates on
Ugandan local Faisal Mostrixx has made a name for himself by expertly fusing traditional tribal dance moves with contemporary hip hop. He explains what dance means in Uganda and why his work as a teacher, mentor and choreographer is making a difference.
Dance needs a lot of patience and hard work, and back home we lack a lot of facilities. You can practise on the grass, and we have a few studios. Young people see me and are inspired but how do you give back when you don’t have rehearsal space? In the end, it’s about the love of it, and the connection. I go and teach for free and I meet these people because I know they might take something from me. These are not just moves: they teach us a way of living and about different kind of people from different backgrounds.
I started dancing when I was nine. I was very active in music, dance and drama in school in Uganda. It’s been a part of me and my family. My mum used to take me to traditional dance practice all the time so it has been with me since I was a kid.
People call me ‘Mostrixx’ because I have the most tricks! I try to pick from different dance styles and then evolve it to make it my own. They also call me the ‘crazy dancer’!
Right now, the biggest dance that is practised in Uganda is the breakdance. Someone takes what they love, gives it to another person who gives it to another person, so we all end up working together. The reason is because of the social power of it and people work together to teach each other.
Music and dance are two powerful elements. I’m very driven by the music and inspired by the sound. I’m a beat maker too so I’m very inspired by the texture of music. My background as a dancer is very intricate and about speed - how fast can you move to the floor and back? It’s all about moving with the texture of the music. It has an emotion behind it that can inspire the body or the mind to go into certain worlds.
I love watching people dance with African rhythms with contemporary hip hop. It takes me back to where I come from. When the two meet it is magical. In Africa, we have a variety of traditional dance styles with a lot of background and story behind them. I think it’s important to fuse them because I come from a land that has over 50 tribes and each of those have at least five traditional dances, with many elements and motifs and rhythms. For me to pick them and put them into contemporary is something new and unique.
“I run free classes in Uganda because these are not just moves. They show us a way of living and they teach us about different people from different backgrounds”
Dancing makes me feel like I’m young all the time. It makes me feel that I get connected with other souls and other people’s stories. It takes away the stress. It makes my day fresh and new every time.
I remember when I was around 10 and the teacher would go out of the classroom, I would jump out in front of the class and entertain the people. What I’m trying to show with my body, as a dance teacher, or a mover, or a choreographer, is my story. When I first came out and said that I wanted to be a dancer, my family were like, ‘No, you have to be an engineer’. Parents tell their kids these things back home, they say ‘this isn’t a job’. Now, when I travel, I don’t feel alone, I feel like my community back home are with me.
I’m in love with Uganda. The youth are so motivated with the arts, across painting, singing, music. I also hope to see a professional community of professional dancers because in Uganda, everyone can dance. I want to see parents empowering children to fulfil their dreams because we have a lot to say. We have a story to tell.
We.Got.Skillz Bavubuka Allsports Experience
2015 - is indeed on its way, as we prepare our selves to celebrate our
young Champions we want to extend all our gratitude to both our Uganda
and Canadian family for the love and support continuously to nurture
such a dream space for young aspiring passionate football players who
travel from different parts of Uganda to participate in this tournament
Camp! Thanks to coach Sserumaga PeterChristine Balabyekkubo coach Libor VolfBabaluku
Coach Jonathan - NiagraFalls Hang UPs - FortErie Soccer Club - Pepsi
Cola Uganda and all the parents who make it out to celebrate their
children we are looking forward to yet another great end of the year
celebration.
Bavubuka Allstarz Foundation
is indeed looking forward to these transformative times where so much
wisdom is needed to regain our Dignity and sense of self-worth.
We would like thank brother Baba Buntu for having the heart and spirit to return and build with the Young Uganda Visionaries.
Below is his message to you all who stand in solidarity with Our Beloved Land.
"SHOUT-OUT AND BIG-UP TO THE YOUTH OF UGANDA: Massive respect to all
cultural warriors, conscious change makers and workers for Afrikan
Empowerment in Uganda. I can't wait to be with the family next week!
The link below documents some of the work I did before the projects I
have developed in Azania (South Afrika). It is a collage of photos and
music of AFRIKAN YOUTH IN NORWAY; a defining movement I helped to start
there 20 years ago. Many of the youth who came up under this
organization are today teachers, politicians, advisors, activists,
cultural knowledge holders, writers, performers, specialists and change
makers. And they know very well who they are – and what they are not.
They represent Mama Afrika everywhere they go. Big up to all members,
leaders, supporters and believers. Afrika is VERY possible. I am
posting this to inspire every Afrikan (especially youth!) who have just
started a project and feels demotivated due to lack of support. Do NOT
wait for endorsement, validation, standing ovations and big prices.
Working to elevate Afrikan consciousness is HARD, and will remain hard
for a long time. Do NOT doubt the idea planted in your mind. March
forward with militant conviction. Listen deeply – and you will hear the
words of support you need; coming from right inside. You are chosen.
Keep walking! See you soon!"
Day two at the ligi Ndogo east Africa tournament live in Kenya Nairobi
City. Boys are enjoying the city and we thank all the coaches who
accompanied the team Makindye soccer academy center for Excellency
Bavubuka Foundation celebrates history once again! As social enterprise Ujamaah and public relations firm The Five Agency embark on their ground-breaking inaugural collaboration and launch one of Uganda’s cutting edge designers, Kaswear, at Vancouver Fashion Week 2012. Ujamaah’s purpose is to integrate people and their passions to powerfully uplift economic prosperity for all; The Five Agency’s intention is to create, promote and sustain an arts community that looks beyond itself and gives back. This debut collaboration is the perfect manifestation of the two companies missions in action.
The Bavubuka Foundation, led by Babaluku, is the same unique creative Hip Hop community that brought you Hip Hop in indigenous languages known as the Luga Flow Movement. Now they are breaking the mold and taking Indigenous creative power to the international stage with a new movement coined The Urban Indigenous Lifestyle. Ras Kasozi, the fashion creative director for Bavubuka Dynasty and the founder of Kas Wear, will be traveling to Vancouver, Canada to represent Uganda at this years fashion olympics at Vancouver Fashion Week. Vancouver Fashion Week is a semi-annual event that is acclaimed as the West Coast's most prestigious industry event. It thrives on inviting the most creative and dynamic talent and features established emerging designers. It is a one-of-a-kind event that continuously brings together buyers, media, celebrities, industry professionals and innovative designers from around the world to celebrate creativity and fashion. With diversity and multiculturalism as part of their core values VFW’s semi-annual event has been host to a range of collections from street wear to eco-friendly garments. This year's event will be graced by Kas Wear's true representation of Uganda through his URBAN INDIGENOUS COLLECTION.
Inspired by the current economical situation in Uganda and across the globe, this collection looks to inspire and empower its wearer through innovative and colorful design and durability. In this collection Kas Wear showcases how the dynamic use of African fabrics turns the body into a walking canvas giving it’s wearer the confidence to be original, colorful and stylish at the same time. As global economic conditions begin to place financial restraints on our ability to express ourselves through our clothing expressing your individual style has become an expensive luxury. This is especially true in Uganda where we are exposed to the trends and fashions of western culture but have no way of accessing it or giving it our own flavor. The Urban Indigenous collection is the solution, allowing its wearer to create a fusion between Western and Indigenous flavors. Each piece of the collection is hand crafted to celebrate Ugandan and African heritage and the design and shape elements of Western culture. The impeccable original designs are also durable and long lasting sound economical investment for both Africans and the rest of the world. The use of dual purpose items like the KasWear handbag/blazer allows the wearer to feel confident making the transition from work to play and it is easy, affordable and fashionable. The collection aims at allowing people to see fashion, art and empowerment as a solid investment, thus creating a cost effective fashion solutions.
This collection is also inspired by Kasozi’s own life experience. Growing up and moving through the urban communities in Uganda he is inspired by the Ugandan people. Their pride, their bodies, forms and their ability to be as durable and effective as they can be given their climate and social restraints. Ugandans have the ability to stay positive through all forms of diversity They are a happy and welcoming people, why can’t their clothes and products also represent that strength and endurance? The Urban Indigenous Collection is art in movement and represents the beauty and diversity of the African form.
