Global fest: MUDA

MUDA workshops are free and led by top professional artists.

The workshops offer a wide range of dance and music styles from across the African continent. No previous dance or music training is required. The sessions culminate in public performances held at community festivals and local venues, showcasing the participants’ skills and cultural heritage.

Our mission is to empower the afro diaspora youth by giving them access to traditional and contemporary African music and dance forms while simultaneously inviting teens from every culture to join the journey. Together we build a shared sense of identity, community, and belonging that amplifies African heritage and enriches the entire city’s cultural fabric.

MUDA Music and Dance Initiative offers Helsinki’s afro diaspora teens and any teenager who wants to join a living bridge to heritage and to each other: twenty-four weeks of rhythm and movement that build skill, pride and friendships; two semesters of expert coaching and shared stages that turn cultural memory into city-wide celebration; and a replicable, evaluated model ready to keep Helsinki dancing toward a more inclusive future.

MUDA project is supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts.

Artists

  • Jòn Álfgeirrsson, drums
  • Arman Soltani Largani
  • Simone Peroni, piano
  • Vanya Bhatt, voice
  • Tai-Yuan Huang, violin
  • Marlon Formisano, percussion
  • Baraka Issabu, piano
  • Humphrey Muba, bass
  • Ossi Raippalinna, percussion
  • Maarika Autio, balafon, dance
  • Kasheshi Makena, percussion, dance
  • Sikujua Mpondaa, dance

Changes are possible.

Further information: Jannika Lahin, jannika.lahin@uniarts.fi

Global Fest

Global Fest is an annual festival featuring students, teachers, alumni and special guests representing Sibelius Academy’s Global music programme. The global music studies embraces pluralistic, fluid approaches to sound, culture and identity, creating new hybrid musical spaces through intercultural dialogue and collaboration.

See the whole festival programme

Ajankohta

9.12.2026 klo 12:00 – 13:00

Sijainti

Sonore, Sibelius-Akatemia

Mannerheimintie 13a

00100 Helsinki

Musiikkitalo, Sibelius-Akatemia

Liput

Vapaa pääsy

Sijainti kartalla

Katso reittiohjeet