Lucas Katangila

Biography

I am a Congolese dancer, choreographer, performer and activist living in Brussels. Through my artistic activities I want to bring people together, to share dance styles from different cultures around the world, and to contribute to a united Africa from centre to east, from south to North Africa, and on to Europe.

I come from a family of artists descended from King Katangila, who was my grandfather (King Katangila was king of the village of Ufamandu, king of the Tembo tribe, the elephant hunters). My first encounter with dance was at the age of six.

The people around me had no problem with my enthusiasm for dance, apart from a few who knew nothing of the arts. Very early on, I took my passion seriously, with a clear idea of the path I wished to follow. With my determination, everyone came to understand who I was and to accept my passion.