The Bitone Music Troupe is a project of the Bitone Children’s Center in which the 24 children who live at the Center raise awareness of problems that currently affect many communities in Uganda, such as HIV/AIDS, sanitation, and domestic violence. The children learn to confer these important messages through performances involving traditional Ugandan music and dance.

Bitone Troupe shows typically run for about three hours. We perform a variety of traditional folk songs and dances from various parts of Uganda, using conventional string, membranes, percussion and wind instruments. We dress in costumes that illustrate each tradition that we present. The Troupe also engages the audience in simple dances accompanied by popular folk tunes, which both young and old enjoy. In every performance, we make sure to tell folk stories and provide explanations of our dances and songs to inform the audience about the issues that are most harming Ugandan communities.

The Bitone Troupe has gained domestic and international recognition for its unique method of raising awareness of pressing social problems through musical performances. In November 2008, the Troupe was invited to participate in a prestigious music and dance festival hosted by the East African Theatre Institute (EATI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Such appearances have increased Bitone’s visibility so that more people are aware of its mission of empowering children and raising their self-esteem through the performing arts.

To get involved with our dance program, donate today!