Our Projects
While our artists may be exclusive, we are deeply committed to expanding inclusive access to music and live performances. We strive to share musicological information, facilitate music-making within local communities, and count cultural collaborations, music workshops in schools and offices, and our podcast among a list of contributions that we aim to grow every year.
We Will Return
Festival: celebrating 40 years of Angolan independence
Batuke Royale proudly supported the 'We Will Return' festival, a landmark event named after a poem by António Agostinho da Silva Neto, celebrating Angola's cultural legacy. Held at The Forge in Camden as part of London Jazz Festival 2015, the festival was a collaboration with Serious and received backing from the Arts Council and the Angolan Embassy in London.
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The three-day extravaganza featured diverse live performances by Afro-Luso and Angolan musicians, blending ethnic rhythms and global influences. Alongside captivating music, attendees enjoyed workshops in capoeira and kizomba, an Angolan music talk by Marissa Moorman, live film screenings, educational seminars, and Angolan food tastings.
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Highlight performances included Galliano Neto leading Parakuka Band, João Oliveira's Afro-jazz Projecto Kutonoka, and singer-songwriter Paulo Flores. Batuke Royale's involvement underscores our commitment to supporting monumental cultural events and our expertise in collaborating with festivals to create unforgettable experiences.
DIPANDA FEST (2018)
Celebrating Angolan Independence
MATIAS DAMÁSIO
DIPANDA FEST was a celebration of Angolan Independence Day, featuring a performance by Angolan artist Matias Damásio. The event took place at the Round Chapel in London, UK, with support from the Angolan Embassy and Consulate. It was held on November 11, 2018.
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Matias Damásio, known for his Kizomba music, was a special guest, and the event also included a performance by Filho do Zua.
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Produced and Curated by Tello Morgado for Batuke Royale. ​​
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Tribute to Mario Rui Silva
1953-2024
With a career spanning over fifty years, Mário immersed himself in Angolan popular music uniting traditional Angolan rhythms which he studied and researched tirelessly, with European jazz and classical influences.
His collaborations with luminaries such as Bonga on the album ‘Angola 72/74, and influences from musicians like Baden Powell, showcase his immense talent and deep understanding of Angolan musical culture. Mário’s incredible music is a captivating journey to the heart of Angolan culture, resonating with the search for identity and independence, and his musical journey and legacy will continue to inspire the next generation to carry the baton for the rich heritage of Angolan music to be placed firmly on the map.
At Batuke Royale, we are incredibly proud to pay homage to this great musician by working together to catalogue and release his music to the world, and our artists will be coming together for a very special performance of his music to celebrate his life, live in London, Portugal and Angola curated by Tello Morgado.
Telecoteco or Tello-coteco?
A Captivating New Podcast by Tello Morgado
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Afro-Brazilian rhythms with Tello Morgado's new podcast, "Telecoteco or Tello-coteco?" Named after a popular Bantu rhythm, this podcast takes you on an enthralling journey through global music, history, culture, and spirituality. Tello Morgado, an Angolan-born, London-based percussionist with a Masters in music from SOAS, brings his rich storytelling and extensive travels to life, from Brazil and Cuba to Portugal, the Middle East, and Malaysia.
Tello's engaging narratives cover a wide array of topics, whether discussing the legendary Malian musician Oumou Sangaré or sharing personal anecdotes. With a career spanning collaborations with artists like Zara McFarlane and Gilles Peterson, composing for UNESCO, and performing with the Universal Music Earth Orchestra at Abbey Road, Tello offers unparalleled insights into the music world.
Percussive Communication Workshops
Our Percussive Communication workshops transform teams and classrooms alike, accommodating up to 30 participants per session. Ideal for schools, offices, and corporate settings, these certified workshops harness the power of group percussion to foster unity, cooperation, creativity, and focus.
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Key benefits include enhanced team building, fostering collaboration and trust. Participants develop improved communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, while boosting self-esteem through collective achievement. Rhythmic drumming provides therapeutic stress relief and enhances interpersonal skills, nurturing better relationships. Leadership qualities and group awareness are cultivated, alongside promoting creativity, discipline, concentration, relaxation, and self-confidence.
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Each workshop is customised to meet specific event needs, ensuring a unique and impactful experience for all involved, making it an invaluable tool for enhancing team dynamics and personal growth across diverse environments.
LULLABY FOR THE WORLD:
Musical Skills Workshop for Schools Year 2 to 10
LULLABY FOR THE WORLD is a dynamic workshop aimed at students in Year 2 to 10, fostering creativity and empathy through music. Led by professional facilitators—a percussionist and a singer/songwriter—the workshop empowers children to craft lyrics reflecting their perspectives on global issues and solutions for a better future. Each session accommodates up to 30 students and concludes with a filmed performance, showcasing the school's creativity and fostering a sense of accomplishment.
Participants receive a personalised "Passport for a Better World," documenting their contributions and featuring symbols of human rights. This initiative promotes inclusion, cultural awareness, and social values, preparing students for future responsibilities while enhancing vocabulary, handwriting, and geography skills. In today's interconnected world, LULLABY FOR THE WORLD plays a crucial role in nurturing educated, empathetic, and creative citizens through the transformative power of music.
Jazz re:freshed
Ongoing collaborations
Batuke Royale collaborates with Jazz re:freshed, a pioneering music movement founded by Justin McKenzie & Adam Moses in 2003. Dedicated to breaking jazz stereotypes and bringing its vibrant diversity to all, Jazz re:freshed hosts a weekly live residency in West London. Beyond music, they integrate art, films, exhibitions, and apparel, embodying creativity and cultural expression. Their impact spans a record label, festivals, film clubs, workshops, and more. Partnering with Jazz re:freshed infuses events with dynamic live jazz, showcasing underexposed artists and pushing boundaries, making each occasion a celebration of jazz's colourful artistry and boundless creativity.
