Breakdance, once an unfamiliar art form in Rwanda, has now taken root, transforming the country’s cultural landscape and offering new opportunities for the youth.

Introduced by passionate dancers like Amani Mahoro, breakdance also known as breaking has steadily gained recognition in Rwanda, growing from a niche hobby to an empowering platform for artistic expression and youth engagement.

A new wave of expression

Mahoro, one of Rwanda’s breakdance trailblazers, was first introduced to the dance form in 2008 in Gisenyi in Rubavu District after being influenced by Congolese dance crew Bboys.

"At that time, I was already involved in acrobatics, and breaking felt like a natural extension,” he told The New Times.

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For him, breakdance represented more than just a movement, it was a means to connect with Rwandan youth, offering a platform for creativity and self-expression.

"My motivation was to offer something new and transformative, helping to break down social barriers and provide a platform for young people to explore their potential through dance,” he adds.

Since its introduction, breakdance has become a powerful medium of expression, particularly for young people who are eager to explore their talents in a unique and global context. Mahoro’s efforts in promoting breakdance have been instrumental in reshaping perceptions of the art form in Rwanda.

Overcoming challenges and gaining acceptance

Like many innovative movements, breakdance faced resistance and misunderstanding in its early days in Rwanda.

"When I started in Kigali in 2012, breakdance was often mistaken for gymnastics or capoeira. The initial challenge was to educate people about what breaking really is, a dynamic dance form that blends elements of kung fu, gymnastics, capoeira, and tap dance,” he says.

To overcome these challenges, Mahoro began teaching in youth centres across the country, using education and persistence to shift public perception. Gradually, the local community started to appreciate breakdance for its discipline, skill, and cultural relevance.

In 2015, he and his Ugandan counterpart Alex Ssebaggala co-founded Abatanguha Dance Company, a dynamic and inclusive dance organization dedicated to promoting creativity, unity, and cultural expression through dance.

Through their initiatives, including the Kigali Breaking Cypher Festival and Kubasha Dance Group for people with disabilities, the company has empowered dancers from marginalized groups and created new opportunities for diverse talent.

Events like the Kigali Breaking Cypher further solidified its presence, giving breakdancers a platform to showcase their talents.

A gateway to global culture

Mahoro says breakdance has not only connected Rwandan youth with their cultural identity but also linked them to global cultural movements.

"It has opened doors for them to participate in international competitions, learn from dancers around the world, and express themselves in a way that resonates with a global audience,” he says.

One of the major achievements came in 2019 when Mahoro represented Rwanda at the World Breaking Championship in Nanjing, China.

"It was a huge honor to compete alongside the best breakdancers in the world,” he recalls. Then, in 2023, I competed in Taiwan at the Taipei Bboy City event through Kigali Breaking Cypher,” he adds.

A growing movement

As breakdance continues to evolve in Rwanda, the dance community is becoming more established, and the broader society is starting to recognise its cultural importance.

Since Mahoro began his initiatives, the perception of breakdance in Rwanda has evolved significantly. What was once seen as a niche activity is now viewed as a legitimate art form that contributes to cultural expression and youth empowerment.

"The Kigali Breaking Cypher, now in its seventh edition, has become a symbol of the growing movement. The community is stronger than ever, and more young people are finding a sense of identity and purpose through breaking,” says Mahoro.

Looking ahead

Mahoro’s future plans include expanding the reach of breakdance in Rwanda by organising more events, workshops, and collaborations with international dancers.

He envisions breakdance becoming an integral part of Rwanda’s cultural landscape. "I want to establish breaking as a driving force in the country’s cultural renaissance, inspiring creativity and innovation among the youth,” he says.

The inclusion of breakdance in the Olympics, he said, is expected to further elevate its status worldwide.

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"The Olympics presents an incredible opportunity to elevate breakdance and inspire a new generation of dancers,” he says.

"Unfortunately, Rwanda was not included in the upcoming Olympics due to the lack of a Breakdance Federation, but we are actively working on establishing one. I hope that, by 2028, Rwandan breakdancers will have the chance to participate and showcase their talents on this prestigious global platform,” he adds.