Kigali Breaking Festival

Introduction

Kigali Breaking Festival is Rwanda's leading annual breakdancing and Hip-hop culture event, organized under Abatanguha Dance Company. Established in 2015 by Mahoro Amani (Rwanda) and Alex Ssebaggala (Uganda), the festival was created to provide a platform for dancers to connect, compete, and share the core values of Hip-hop culture—peace, love, unity, and having fun.

Over the years, it has grown from a small local battle into an international gathering that welcomes dancers from across East Africa, Africa, and beyond, featuring dance battles, workshops, Hip-hop theatre performances, and cultural exchange programs.

Since its inception in 2015, Kigali Breaking Festival has successfully held 7 seasons. The upcoming 2025 edition will mark its 8th season, expanding into a week-long Dance Festival and International Collaboration that celebrates dance, promotes artistic networking, and engages the local community.

2025 Festival Highlights

This year's festival will feature an expanded program designed to elevate Rwanda's dance scene:

• Dance competitions across various styles, including contemporary, Hip-hop, and traditional dance
• Fashion showcases from emerging and professional artists
• Workshops and masterclasses for dancers of all skill levels
• An opportunity for 3 selected dancers to join an East African tour and participate in an international exchange in France

A major highlight is the festival's collaboration with Le Phare – Centre Chorégraphique National de la Danse based in Le Havre, France. This partnership brings international dance expertise, fosters unique cultural exchanges, and elevates the festival's artistic quality.

Our Mission & Impact

The festival is strategically designed to create lasting positive change in Rwanda's cultural landscape. We aim to:

• Foster cultural exchange between local and international artists
• Support and develop local artistic talent
• Create platforms for creative collaboration between dance companies, choreographers, and the community
• Attract cultural tourism and strengthen the local economy
• Leave a lasting impact on Rwanda's and East Africa's arts scene

Through our bold artistic vision and commitment to the core values of Hip-hop culture, we continue to push boundaries in the dance world, inspiring a new generation of performers and fostering a culture of creativity, unity, and innovation across East Africa and beyond.