Ishingiro, a company founded by Rwandan-French choreographer and creative director Marie Mwiza Ndutiye, is working to establish a Kigali-based qualifier for the international freestyle dance battle Fusion Concept, with the aim of connecting dancers from across East Africa to the global freestyle dance scene. The initiative seeks to create a platform that brings together leading dancers from the region while building a bridge between Kigali and Paris. Ndutiye said she has signed a contract with Fusion Concept to create an East African qualifier that would give dancers from the region an opportunity to compete annually in Paris alongside some of the world’s top freestyle dancers. “For many years, international battle circuits have had qualifiers across Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Oceania. It’s time to include Africa, and I believe Kigali is the perfect place to make that happen,” she said. The project took an important step this year when Ishingiro selected a team to represent Africa at the Fusion Concept World Finals in Paris. ALSO READ: New dance contest seeks to professionalise industry, preserve culture Rwandan dancer Bobo Elvis competed in the finals on September 13, marking what Ndutiye described as a historic moment for Rwanda’s dance scene, as it was the first time a Rwandan dancer had represented the country in the international competition. In 2026, Ishingiro selected Bobo Elvis and Congolese freestyle dancer Jean Paul Kyb from Goma as representatives and ambassadors for its collaboration with Fusion Concept. However, visa challenges prevented Kyb from travelling to France, leaving Bobo facing the possibility of competing without his partner. At the last minute, Kendrick Blé, a freestyle dancer from Côte d’Ivoire who is now based in France, stepped in to represent Africa alongside Bobo. Bobo said the pair had only one day to rehearse before taking to the Fusion Concept World Finals stage. “The challenge was extraordinary: we both had only one day to rehearse before stepping onto the Fusion Concept World Finals stage,” Bobo said. “The following day, we found ourselves competing among elite dancers from around the world.” The duo reached the round of 16, placing among the top 16 teams in the competition before bowing out. For Bobo, however, the experience was about more than the result. His journey to Paris, he said, was not simply about winning a battle but about opening doors for himself and other African dancers. “The experience gave me something that cannot be measured by a competition result. Being on that stage was already a dream. I learned so much from the dancers I met, exchanged experiences with artists from different countries, gained new knowledge and connections, and got a deeper understanding of different dance industries,” he said. Rather than returning discouraged, Bobo said the experience renewed his motivation to train, experiment and improve as he prepares for another opportunity to compete on the international stage. He also thanked Kanon Zouzoua, director of Fusion Concept, for the trust placed in the project and its dancers. Building a bridge for African dancers Ndutiye said the wider vision of the project extends beyond one dancer or competition. Through Ishingiro, she wants to create a sustainable connection between East Africa’s dance community and the international freestyle scene, while giving emerging dancers opportunities to represent their countries and build international networks. Preparations are already underway for next year’s pre-selection and the development of Ishingiro All-Star. Ndutiye is also working with Rwandan dance organisers and cultural partners, including Alex from Kigali Breaking Festival and Eya from Get Up & Groove. The project has received support from the French Institute in Rwanda, directed by Lee Fou Messica, as well as the French Embassy. Fusion Concept Founded in 2009 by dancer, choreographer and artistic director Kanon Zouzoua, Fusion Concept is an international hip-hop freestyle dance festival that has grown into a global platform for freestyle dancers. It brings together dancers, DJs, MCs, judges and audiences from around the world, focusing on freestyle dance and embracing styles such as popping and krump. Over more than 15 years, the festival has built an international community through competitions and activities held in France and other countries. Its programme combines dance battles, performances, workshops, education and cultural exchange.
