Mauritius to Host Indian Ocean’s Largest Urban Dance Championship this August 2026

This premier urban dance competition in the Indian Ocean is set to return from 11 to 17 August, bringing together elite talent from over 15 countries for a high-stakes week of artistry and athleticism.

Hosted in Mauritius and organised by Wake Up Entertainment Ltd, the 2026 festival aims to professionalise the region’s urban arts while fostering international unity.

What began as a local initiative to address a lack of structure in the dance community has evolved into a major international fixture, now including representatives from Europe and mainland Africa.

The Road to the Championship

The event’s centrepiece is the Indian Ocean Championship, a one-on-one battle series organised by Wake Up Session, which boasts a 15-year legacy. This year’s competition features two primary categories:

• Breaking: Featuring 16 elite dancers (one per country) in the discipline that gained Olympic status in 2024.
• Choose Your Style: An open category embracing a diverse range of movement, including Séga, Latino, Dancehall, Afro, and Hip-Hop.

The festival’s footprint is expanding significantly. After hosting 12 nations in 2025, the 2026 roster includes South Africa, Djibouti, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar, Réunion, Rodrigues, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Ghana. New entrants for this edition include France, Belgium, Austria, India, Gabon, and Congo.

A Week of Culture and Industry

Beyond the high-stakes battles, the festival serves as a hub for education and professional development. Between 12 and 15 August, masterclasses and dance initiations will be held across the island.

On 14 August, “Group Talks” will bring together dancers, choreographers, and industry professionals to discuss challenges and stimulate regional innovation.

Public showcases are also scheduled for 15 August at major hubs including Bagatelle, Le Caudan, and Grand-Baie, leading up to the grand final on 16 August.

“The festival intends to position the island as a regional hub for urban arts,” organisers stated, noting that the event acts as a “catalyst for positive change and regional pride.”

Economic and Global Impact

Led by Mahmade Sameerkhan Hassenjee, known as “Kenjee,” the non-profit festival is expected to deliver substantial benefits to the Mauritian economy.

The event generates direct employment for artists, technicians, and security, while boosting indirect sectors such as hospitality, transport, and catering.

To ensure global reach, the festival has launched a multi-channel media campaign involving:

• Live broadcasts on TikTok and YouTube.
• Coverage by the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation.
• Collaborations with influencers and international press.

Organisers estimate the event will garner up to 1.5 million views worldwide, further cementing Mauritius’s reputation for cultural excellence and tourism.

Source: l’Express