Introducing Dancers from Dzaleka & Poets from Dzaleka

As part of Dzaleka Online Services, we are proud to introduce two new projects celebrating the voices and talents of our community: Dancers from Dzaleka and Poets from Dzaleka.

Dancers from Dzaleka

Dance is one of the most powerful forms of expression in Dzaleka. From traditional performances to modern choreography, dancers bring energy, identity, and cultural pride to our community. Dancers from Dzaleka will feature profiles, performances, and stories from the individuals and groups who keep our rhythms alive.

Featured Dance Groups

Our community is home to incredible dance crews that showcase diverse styles and cultural heritage:

• Fighters Dance Crew - A dynamic crew performing Afro Dance, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Cultural and Acrobatic Dance since 2014/2015. With 11 talented members from DRC and Burundi, they’ve performed at major festivals including Sand Music Festival, Tumaini Festival, and Urban Vibes Maso Awards Festival.

• Forus Crew - Another vibrant dance group contributing to Dzaleka’s cultural landscape

• The Dreamers - Bringing dreams to life through movement and expression

• Christian Piniero - Individual dancer showcasing personal artistic journey

These groups represent the rich diversity of dance styles in our community, from traditional cultural dances to contemporary hip-hop and acrobatic performances.

Poets from Dzaleka

Poetry gives voice to experience, struggle, and hope. In Dzaleka, poets use words to tell stories that move, challenge, and inspire. Poets from Dzaleka is a new space dedicated to sharing their work and giving writers the recognition they deserve.

Featured Poets

Our community boasts talented poets whose words capture the essence of refugee life and human resilience:

• Angela Abizera - Dzaleka Arts Project Team Leader for Poetry who uses poetry as a powerful tool to convey messages and inspire others. Her poem “Dear Peace” questions why wars happen when peace is something we all need, while “Love Found Us Young” celebrates the beauty of love despite challenges.

• Floribert - A poet whose work reflects deep personal and community experiences

• Simon Kash - Contributing powerful narratives through verse

• Hassan C. Honore - Sharing stories of resilience and hope

• Irene M. Mubeho - Adding her unique voice to our poetic community

These poets represent the diverse voices and experiences within Dzaleka, using their craft to educate, entertain, and inspire.

A Call for Contributions

Both projects are just beginning, and we invite contributions. If you are a dancer, choreographer, or poet — or if you know someone whose work should be featured — we welcome your submissions. Every entry helps showcase the richness of Dzaleka’s creative community.

How to Contribute

• For Dancers: Submit your dance profile or share information about dance groups and performances
• For Poets: Submit your poetry or share information about poets and their work
• Contact us: Reach out through our contact form or social media channels to share your contributions

Celebrating Creative Expression

Through these initiatives, we aim to highlight the artistry that defines Dzaleka and share it with a wider audience. Dance and poetry are not just forms of entertainment—they are powerful tools for:

• Cultural Preservation: Keeping traditional dances and storytelling alive
• Community Building: Bringing people together through shared artistic experiences
• Personal Expression: Giving voice to individual experiences and emotions
• Education: Using art to raise awareness about important issues
• Hope: Inspiring resilience and optimism in challenging circumstances

Building a Creative Archive

These projects will serve as a living archive of Dzaleka’s creative community, documenting the evolution of artistic expression in our camp. From traditional cultural performances to contemporary urban dance, from spoken word poetry to written verse, we’re creating a comprehensive record of the talent and creativity that thrives in Dzaleka.

Stay tuned for updates as these projects develop and grow with community input and participation. Follow our news section for the latest developments and community stories.