Brings art closer
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Brings art closer
LARTA.NL
Brengt kunst dichterbij
LARTA.NL
When you contact the Passionate Artist to become a member, we ask you to write a piece, submit photos, etc. The Passionate Artist posts the work himself. You can send an email at any time of the month to adjust your advertisement, add events, etc.
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When you contact the Passionate Artist to become a member, we ask you to write a piece, submit photos, etc. The Passionate Artist posts the work himself. You can send an email at any time of the month to adjust your advertisement, add events, etc.
We will adjust this for you as soon as possible, ideally the same day.
INTERVIEWS
What moves an artist?
What is art for artists?
How did they begin?
What tips would they like to share?
Kalungi Israel
Below is an interview with Kalungi Israel, a talented and multi-faceted musician, dancer, and choreographer originally from Uganda. He is also the co-founder of a charity in Uganda and is currently residing in Utrecht, the Netherlands and Uganda.
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Could you tell us about yourself, Kalungi?
My name is Kalungi Israel, and I’m originally from Uganda, East Africa. I’m a musician, dancer, and singer, with a passion for the performing arts. Aside from my work in the arts, I co-run a charity organization in Uganda, called Peace Africa Children, which supports children through music, dance, and drama. We’ve been operating since 2004, making a difference for the past 21 years.
How did your journey in the arts begin?
I’ve been involved in music from a young age. I started school early and joined the school choir, where a wonderful music teacher really nurtured my passion. I was fortunate enough to participate in various music festivals, winning a few trophies along the way. My talent eventually earned me scholarships to different schools, and I began focusing more on music, learning instruments, and pursuing my passion for performing.
Can you tell us about your time with the Ndere Troupe?
After secondary school, I joined one of Uganda’s most renowned cultural troupes, the Ndere Troupe, where I performed for 11 years. This experience was incredibly enriching. The troupe performed across various countries, including China, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK, as well as in East African nations like Tanzania and Uganda. Through these travels, I learned so much about different cultures and their approach to performing arts. The troupe’s performances were also a way for us to earn school fees. I left the troupe at age 23 to pursue my own artistic career.
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Ugandan drums.
How did you get involved in charity work?
One of my colleagues from the troupe and I started the charity as a way to give back to children with artistic talents. We both shared a vision to support underprivileged children, particularly those who had dropped out of school but had skills in music, dance, or drama. We started small, with just 11 children, and funded the organization from our own pockets. Over time, it grew to support 25-30 children, and we made it a community-based organization. Today, Peace Africa Children continues to thrive, and I’m proud of the impact we’ve had on so many children’s lives. Some of them have even gone on to university and are now teaching the next generation of children in the program.
Seeing the children grow and succeed is incredibly rewarding. It fills me with pride to see them graduate, perform on big stages, and become self-sufficient. The organization isn’t for personal gain - it’s for the community, and we rely on the support of our donors and volunteers to keep it going. It’s a beautiful cycle, where the older children who benefit from the program give back by teaching and mentoring the younger ones. This continuation process is what makes it sustainable.
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Dancing lessons at schools in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
What role does music play in your life?
Music has always been a part of who I am. I come from a family that loved music, and from an early age, I was involved in church choirs. My grandma ('oma') played a big role in this - she used to take us to church, where we sang in the choir together. Music is deeply spiritual to me, almost like therapy. It helps me navigate the challenges of life, and it’s my way of expressing myself and connecting with others. Whether I’m composing, listening, or performing, music gives me a sense of purpose and keeps me grounded.
Kalungi Israel performing in Uganda.
What inspires your music and dance?
I draw inspiration from everyday life. When I’m feeling down or frustrated, I often turn to music to help process my emotions. I write songs based on real-life experiences, and the rhythm of dance allows me to physically express what I’m feeling. When composing music, I always have a theme or message in mind. Whether it’s about social issues like climate change, war, or poverty, I want my music to spark change and raise awareness. In Uganda, storytelling through music and dance is deeply rooted in our culture, and I use those traditions to communicate important messages.
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Kalungi Israel.
What is the significance of African music and dance in your work?
African music and dance are not just art forms; they are powerful tools for communication. They are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or skill level. African music often incorporates harmony, rhythm, and improvisation, making it inclusive. I believe that everyone can sing and contribute to the music, regardless of their voice. This inclusivity is part of the joy of African music - it brings people together. Through workshops, I aim to share this tradition, allowing others to experience the beauty of African culture.
How has living in Utrecht influenced your work?
Since moving to Utrecht, I've continued to share African music and culture through various workshops. I teach African choir singing, focusing on songs from Uganda and other parts of Africa, and I also offer drumming and dance workshops. I want to create a space where people can learn, celebrate, and connect through music. In Uganda, music and dance are integral to our daily lives, and I'm happy to bring a piece of that to the Netherlands.
I also organize cultural trips to Uganda, where groups can experience the rich traditions of our country firsthand. It's a wonderful way to immerse in the culture, see the wildlife, and understand the diverse aspects of Ugandan life beyond the stereotypes.
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Kalungi also organizes guided tours in Uganda.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue my work with the charity and expand the reach of my workshops. I’m passionate about promoting African culture and ensuring that the traditions I grew up with continue to thrive. I’m also excited about the future of the children we support—they’re growing into talented young people who are ready to take on the world, and I can’t wait to see where they go next.
Meer interviews
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