Breakdance Project Uganda or: ‘Bouncing Cats’

UNITING THE CHILDREN OF UGANDA THROUGH BREAKDANCE AND HIP HOP CULTURE

Another really nice project was brought to my attention in the last weeks while I was frequently visiting a good friend of mine here in Kampala. She is staying together with Abramz, a break dancer and singer whom I got to know as a really sympathetic and pleasant person showing not the slightest sign of arrogance. He has the vision to promote positive social change and social responsibility through breakdance and hip hop. That is why he founded the Breakdance Project Uganda.

Breakdance Project Uganda (BPU) started in February 2006 out of the belief that hip hop can be used as a tool to engage and empower disadvantaged youth in Kampala and other areas of Uganda. It’s mission is to engage young people in elements of the hip hop culture to build leadership skills and promote social responsibility. The Project has attracted people from every walk of life and acts as a catalyst for building mutually beneficial relationships between people of different social status across Uganda and the rest of the world. It serves to teach people breakdancing and how to pass on those skills to others, as well as promoting leadership skills, social responsibility and positive change to members and local communities.

BPU is a youth centered project that works directly with young people of different backgrounds in Uganda, with a particular focus on those who are disadvantaged to give them hope and opportunities. The Project is centered on the belief that everyone can learn and everyone can teach and has the capacity to be a positive role model to others. The Project has been built around free breakdancing classes currently offered at the Sharing Youth Centre, Kampala and at Gulu Youth Centre, Gulu. In addition, it partners with other organizations to provide social and educational activities and services to its members.

The documentary Bouncing Cats follows Abramz, Crazy Legs, and Breakdance Project Uganda on a journey to use hip-hop culture for positive social change. The film features narration by common and interviews with Mos Def, Will.I.Am, and K’Naan.