About Rhythm & Vibes Dance Company
Current Focus: The Live African Music Diaspora in London — Activating New Stages for Singers & DJs of Global Sounds
Mission Statement: Rhythm & Vibes Dance Co. is a vital cultural anchor for London’s PALOP (Angolan, Cape Verdean, and Lusophone) community. Following our recognition by Arts Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund, we are launching this 12-month residency to combat the systemic displacement of African Diaspora music from London’s professional venues.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between grassroots talent and professional production. By activating new spaces with high-fidelity infrastructure, we provide a dedicated stage for emerging singers and DJs to showcase the foundational rhythms of Kizomba, Semba, and Afro-Luso rhythms. This project is about more than events; it is about reclaiming cultural sovereignty and ensuring the future of global music in the heart of Brixton and the wider London area
A video snapshot of our 'Drena' flagship events: Demonstrating 10 years of experience in managing high-capacity (300+) music and dance activations for the African Diaspora.
These images from our 10-year history showcase a few examples of grassroots live vocalists, percussionists, and musicians we have been proud to host when resources allowed. While these collaboration opportunities have been limited by budget and infrastructure constraints, they demonstrate just the start of what we can achieve.
With the support of the Supporting Grassroots Music fund, we can move beyond these occasional highlights to implement an artistic vision that provides high-calibre opportunities through our 2026/27 Residency. With this platform, we can showcase the incredible talent within the African-Diaspora music scene right here in London and connect them with an audience on a scale that ensures these foundational sounds receive the professional spotlight they deserve.
OUR STORY
Rhythm & Vibes Dance Company was established in 2015 by Director and Principal Dancer Richard Voogt. While our roots began as a premier dance school, we have evolved into a vital cultural anchor and music platform in London. We are dedicated to the promotion of African and Latin-Diaspora sounds, hosting regular weekly classes and high-capacity events in the styles of Salsa, Kizomba, Bachata, and Semba.
In 2020, our organization was recognized for its cultural significance by Arts Council England and awarded a Cultural Recovery Fund grant—a testament to our role in preserving and celebrating global heritage through the pandemic and beyond.
We are more than a dance space; we are a proven stage for grassroots talent and community connection. We currently host regular flagship monthly events for Afro-Latin music that are consistently attended by over 350 people, demonstrating our unique ability to mobilize and sustain a large, diverse audience. We actively work to combat the systemic displacement of global sounds by providing a high-fidelity environment for DJs, singers, and live performers to showcase the foundational rhythms of the PALOP and Latin-American communities.
From the syncopation of Semba to the evolving energy of Afrohouse and Kizomba, we provide the essential infrastructure and audience reach that allows grassroots artists to thrive. We strive to create a festive atmosphere at every event, celebrating great music and culture in the way we know best: through movement, connection, and artistic expression.
Through fun yet professional classes and world-class programming, we create a space that unites an eclectic mix of people. Whether you come to try something new, support grassroots artists, or carve out a career in the arts, we welcome everyone with the same passion and enthusiasm. We are driven by the wider goals of promoting community health, development, and unity, while ensuring that the vibrant traditions of the African & Latin Diaspora continue to have a permanent, professional home in the heart of London.
Rhythm & Vibes Dance is nationally & internationally recognized.
A Proven Track Record of Cultural Excellence:
Rhythm & Vibes Dance Co. is nationally and internationally recognized for its contribution to the global music and dance sector. In 2020, we had the distinct honor of being recognized by Arts Council England for our integral role in the cultural sector and were awarded a Culture Recovery Fund grant to ensure our continued success and community impact.
Having engaged thousands of participants through our programming to date, our organization has evolved into one of the UK’s premier hubs for Afro-Latin and PALOP culture. We are proud to provide an inclusive, high-production space that celebrates cultural diversity and fosters community cohesion.
Beyond our London residency, our work has a global footprint. As Principal Artistic Director, Richard Voogt is regularly commissioned to provide workshops and cultural showcases internationally. Our organization has proudly represented the UK at major cultural conventions across the globe, including:
Spain | Portugal | Ghana | Canada | Russia | France | Turkey | Hungary | Latvia | Romania | Serbia | Malta
We continue to strive to raise the profile of grassroots music and social dance forms, highlighting the immense benefits they provide to society—from mental wellbeing to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. We are dedicated to providing the infrastructure, stages, and community support necessary for these vibrant global traditions to thrive for years to come.