Spirit of Uganda Tour
Experience Uganda
“Invigorating the stage with that elusive thing called joy.”
- The New York Times
“Young, proud, and marvelously spirited musicians and dancers. Whatever these performers do, in whatever different bright attire, they do with discipline, fervor, and joy.... The pounding feet and agile bodies, the drums and vibrant human voices all send a message - one of courage and hope.”
- Village Voice
For five months, from January - March 2010, Spirit of Uganda will return to the USA with riveting performances of music and dance for audiences of all ages and outstanding community-based programs.
Under the artistic direction of Peter Kasule, Spirit of Uganda is Empower African Children's professional training and touring program. On tour, 22 vibrant performers, ages 8-18, share the histories, legends and beliefs of East Africa and introduce some of the new and dynamic music and dance forms that are being created now.
Ambassadors for Uganda's 2.4 million orphans, these children personify the resilience and promise of Africa's next generation as they promote awareness of Uganda's dual crises of AIDS and civil war, and raise funds to support themselves and others in their homeland.
Nationally sponsored by Macy's, the 2008 Spirit of Uganda tour logged nearly 15,000 miles, traveling to 14 states from California to Maine to perform at some of the country's leading performing arts venues including New York's Joyce Theater, Philadelphia's Zellerbach Theatre, the Marin, Gallo and Mondavi Arts Centers in California, Chapel Hill's Memorial Hall, the Virginia Arts Festival and Boston's Berklee Center. Special appearances were made at United Nations and at Dallas Children's Theater.
To the melodic tones of standing drums, with dramatic choreography, bright, layered rhythms, and gorgeous call-and-response vocals, Spirit of Uganda brings to life the sounds and movements of East Africa.
