The Break-Fast Club Reunites

This past weekend brought together break dancers, beat boxers, and hip hop artists from Japan, Switzerland, Rwanda, DRC, Kenya, and of course Uganda for the Break-Fast Jam finals.

Hundreds of people filled the space watching for the trick that would top the rest.

Kids as young as eight years showcased their skills.

Graffiti artists worked on a masterpiece outside the space.

Beat boxers created rhythms that I thought had to have been coming from a disc jockey from behind his equipment.

My youth and I showed up at the event two hours late, which of course in Uganda was right on time!

We took our seats close to the center of the event, where we would be able to cheer on our favorite people with our pasteled posters as they took place under the spotlight.

The event brought together a variety of people, those of different colors and cultures, boys and girls, young and old.  The common denominator was hip-hop.  The idea that it can be used positively in society, to share messages and to unite people from rural areas to urban city capitals is what Break-Fast Jam is all about.

It was great to catch up with two of my boys, Fahadhi and Eric, who recently returned from California on a month trip to promote a documentary, Shake The Dust, in which they are featured.  We talked about In-n-Out, which they thoroughly enjoyed, the beach, and general life in the Golden State.

Fahadhi then went on to compete in the seven to smoke battle, which he killed in and won.  Third time champion in the house!

I still question how I got to be apart of this club.  How a girl from Novato, California gets to be friends with the best break dancers in East Africa.  How my UG friends are featured in documentary that showcase their story; showcase places that I have been to. 

I am grateful for these connections and friendships. 

Me and one of the b-boys who attended Camp LION!

I am appreciative for the way arts are used in society for positive, social change.

I am understanding of the hip hop culture, whose intent often gets misconstrued by others, and the ability it has to bring a sense of understanding and peace to a country that once was ravaged by unrest and war.