Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within — a new documentary set inside a small but extraordinary orphanage in Uganda — illuminates struggle and joy in equal measure while revealing the resilient, buoyant heart of a singular community. Directed by David Vieira Lopez and Peabody and International Documentary Association award-winning filmmaker Moses Bwayo, the documentary short tells the story of Masaka Kids Africana, a bustling home for more than 30 orphaned children, aged 2 to 19. More than just a place to sleep, Masaka Kids Africana — founded by Suuna, once an orphan himself, and his wife Madina Hassan — is a nonprofit built around a vibrant dance and music program. Here, the children create, choreograph, and film elaborate routines that they share online, where their joyful performances have captured global attention and gone viral.

Co-director David Vieira Lopez with the children of Masaka Kids Africana.

In the film, produced by Archewell Productions, Ross M. Dinerstein and Rebecca Evans of Campfire Studios, and Geeta Gandbhir (The Perfect Neighbor), we see how Masaka Kids Africana developed from a small idea that Suuna had to help children who grew up like him into a full-fledged movement which, thanks to social media, has fans all over the planet, with over 9 million followers on Instagram who tune in to see their wonderfully imaginative renditions set to famous songs. The children first turned to social media in 2018, and their reach exploded two years later when a clip of them performing to Drake’s “Toosie Slide” caught the artist’s eye; his repost sent the video — and Masaka Kids Africana — soaring into worldwide prominence. For director Vieira Lopez, the story of Masaka Kids Africana is a testament to the power of art and culture in even the most difficult of circumstances. “The way music and dance is used to instill belief in oneself — it’s a very unique tool,” he says. “Regardless of the background that we come from, music and dance is universal. And so I always felt like that was something really special.” Bwayo, who is Ugandan himself, says the film captures something essential to the spirit of the country itself. “Music and dance are a very integral part of Ugandan culture. We sing when we're sad, we sing when we are happy,” he says. “Music brings us together.”

Behind the scenes of Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within.

Threaded through the film are striking character studies, offering a vivid, emotionally rich window into everyday life at Masaka and tracing the stories of Suuna, Madina, as well as dance teacher Johnny, and children including 12-year-old Nabirah — a talented singer and dancer who hopes to become a teacher — and 11-year-old Ian, known as “Kikomeko,” the troupe’s jokester whose infectious humor and glowing presence capture the essence of Masaka itself. As they move through school days, share communal meals, look after animals on the property, and confront profound moments of struggle and sorrow, the one consistent throughline is the power of music and dance to carry them through. “Life is hard. Life is fragile. But you can see when the kids are dancing, when they’re singing, that there’s a light in their eyes, a hope that’s in them,” Vieira Lopez says. “That’s what I believe music and dance does for kids — it helps them really move their feet forward.”

Want more about the organization? Says the filmmaking team:

Masaka Kids Africana is a community-based organization dedicated to providing orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda with a safe home, access to education, and essential resources. Through the transformative power of music and dance, the organization nurtures hope, joy, and confidence, encouraging each child to move forward in life with strength, purpose, and a bright spirit. 

To learn more, please visit their official website at www.masakakidsafricanaofficial.org.

Thank you for your support as we continue to uplift and empower Masaka Kids Africana.

Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within comes to Netflix Dec. 9.