Prime
Denis Mukungu the break dancer
Abdala Tifuu found his passion in breakdance. PHOTO BY DENIS MUKUNGU
What you need to know:
The first time he saw a boy much younger than him pull off some impressive dance moves, this teenager got so hooked to break dancing that he has now made it a hobby and livelihood. When he is not on the dance floor impressing, this youngster is teaching other youth how to follow the rhythm and change their lives through dance.
Introduce yourself?
My name is Abdala Tifuu, a Senior Three student at Wanale Secondary School Mbale. I love to break dance, teach and inspire young people.
Tell me more about break dancing
I started dancing in 2013, I was influenced by my friends. I used to be a footballer. When I escorted my friends to their training place, I saw a small boy dancing very well and this challenge me a lot. I asked whether I could join them.
What happened after you asked to join?
They told me to come every day for training. It wasn’t simple at first because I wasn’t free with the guys and I used to underestimate myself. My parents didn’t support the idea, because they thought I would get spoilt.
Do they support it now?
Yes, they do.
How come?
My fellow dancers at Dream house Uganda came to my home and talked to my parents about what they do and more so it’s dance that pays my school fees.
How do you handle attention in school?
I am just a normal person. I don’t see myself as a celebrity.
Take us through your normal day?
I wake up early in the morning, I go for road work, then do house work and read my books. I spend some time with my mother and later proceed for dance training in the evening.
What do you intend to achieve in dance?
My project has a motto ‘each one teach one’. I want to teach as many children as possible because I was also taught. Street kids have lost interest in drugs after we taught them how to dance, so I will continue to do that.
Any challenges so far?
Yes. I have missed three opportunities to go to Europe to teach dance because I have no passport. People sometimes don’t pay us after performing at their events.
Who is your role model?
A guy called Little Shao, a professional dance photographer and also Oscar Kibuuka.
Message to fellow teens.
Find something that you can do. Stay focused, work hard, be disciplined and you will be successful.
