Sharjah 24: With an electric buzz of energy and contagious joy, the Masaka Kids Africana are lighting up the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) 2024. The dynamic dance troupe from Uganda, comprising eight vibrant young stars aged between 5 and 12, has returned to SCRF second year in a row and continues to be a popular feature of the festival this year.

Every performance by the Masaka Kids Africana is not just a display of its agility and electrifying dance moves but a powerful call to action against environmental degradation. On Monday alone, the group captivated the audience with three performances, each reinforcing the urgent need to combat global issues such as illegal deforestation, wildfires, floods, loss of biodiversity, and the pervasive problem of plastic pollution.

Telling an important story through dance, the group aims to resonate with festival-goers, urging everyone to play a part in preserving our planet. The performances creatively integrate impactful visuals with high-energy dance moves, effectively conveying their message.

Originating from Masaka, a district in central Uganda, these extraordinary children have skyrocketed to global fame, amassing millions of followers across major social platforms including 3.9 million YouTube subscribers, 9.7 million on Instagram, and 5.3 million on Facebook. Their performances around the world are not just entertainment; they are heartfelt narratives of their resilience and hopes.

At SCRF, the group is dazzling the audience with lively mash-ups of international hits such as Beyoncé’s 'Single Ladies', the timeless 'Macarena' by Los Del Rio, Shakira’s upbeat 'Waka Waka’ and many more. The showstopper for all shows is the latest single, ’Habibi come to my city’, by one of the Masaka kids, Prince Africa Mr. Masaka. It is from the album ‘One Day,’ which was released last year.

The group’s vibrant dance videos, which capture them grooving to popular African and global tunes, have brought joy worldwide. Their global reach has become a potent channel for raising awareness and funds, which are invested back into improving the lives of the children involved.

The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival continues to celebrate young talents and foster a love of reading until May 12 at the Expo Centre Sharjah. For more information on the festival’s lineup and to witness the inspiring performances of Masaka Kids Africana, visit www.scrf.ae.