Mauritius is set to become a meeting point for urban dancers from across the Indian Ocean and Africa as the Bouzé Festival returns from August 13 to 16, 2026.
The energy of hip-hop and urban dance will once again take over Mauritius as the Bouzé Festival returns for its fourth edition. Organised by Wake Up Entertainment, the four-day festival will bring together dancers, judges, coaches and other key figures from the urban dance community, with participants coming from across the region and beyond.This year, dancers, judges, coaches and artists from 11 countries and territories will come together in Mauritius, including Réunion, Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, Mayotte, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Djibouti, alongside Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Since its launch, Bouzé has aimed to do more than simply organise dance battles. The festival has created a space where dancers can meet, train, share their experiences and discover new opportunities within the growing urban dance scene.The event continues to receive support from the Institut français de Maurice and the Embassy of France in Mauritius, alongside partners including Malta Guinness and Sungold Trading.
A celebration of dance, culture and community
At the heart of Bouzé are the battles, but there is much more to the festival.
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in masterclasses led by international dancers and instructors, covering styles such as Breaking, Hip-Hop, Afro Styles, Dancehall and Krump. The sessions are designed not only to improve technique, but also to encourage dancers to learn from one another and gain a broader understanding of the culture behind each style. The festival will also create space for conversations about the future of urban dance. Discussions will touch on subjects such as making a career in the arts, opportunities for young people, the role of women in urban dance and the importance of international partnerships.
The championship final
The festival will reach its high point on Sunday, August 16, at the Institut français de Maurice in Rose-Hill.The Indian Ocean Championship will see dancers compete in two categories: 1 vs 1 Breaking and 1 vs 1 Choose Your Style.
The afternoon will combine competition with entertainment, featuring dance showcases, performances from the participating delegations, international DJs and an awards ceremony.It will also provide an opportunity for audiences to see some of the region’s strongest dancers sharing the same floor and representing their respective communities.
A festival spread across Mauritius
Bouzé will begin on Thursday, August 13, at Pointe Jérôme in Mahébourg, where opening activities, open sessions and beginner-friendly dance initiations will take place. The activities will be free and open to the public.On Friday, the festival moves to the Caudan Arts Centre in Port Louis. The programme includes masterclasses with Haitham Ben Ali and Verb, as well as a pre-qualification battle. Saturday will bring dancers to Tribeca Mall for the “Last Chance” battle and the presentation of those who will compete in the final.
The festival will then conclude on Sunday 16th August with the highly anticipated championship at the Institut français de Maurice. The entry free : Rs 300 & for children under 10 is free.
