We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Baptista Kawa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Baptista, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?

Yes I do have an Agent that helps me out with that I managed to get my materials in front of a major choreographer through a friend of friend and he reached out to the owner of the agency that had represented him for decades on my behalf. I was so thrilled that he did that because they’re one of the top agencies in the country and they sponsored me for my 0-1 visa. I can’t say that they decided to work with me cuz I’m the best, But what I can say is I’m lucky and will always be grateful for that.

Baptista, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I remember how hard it was when I started, In my country which is Democratic Republic of Congo. We didn’t have dance studios, Gyms etc.. to train in not even smartphones I remember At age 13 i would sneak into my classroom after school and practice the dance moves i saw in movies. Most African parents didn’t want to let their children do dance/acrobatics So even to have access on TV and watch dance films or videos was difficult I had to wait when no body is home or when everyone is asleep so I can watch dance movies and practice them at school after class My unique style is mix of power moves, flip combinations, and traditional Congolese Ndombolo set me apart. I’m so proud to make it to the United States cuz that was one of the most dream I had. I worked hard for years to be to make it here which is not easy for someone from Africa. Also if I ever work with someone I always shows up on time that’s one of the disciplines I have worked on cuz if you don’t show up on time no one will ever want to work with you in the future

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience on social media just by posting a lot meaning sometimes twice a day or at least 5 times a week the more you’re posting the more people will know who you are and understand what you do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have so many goals and missions that I want to accomplish but building a home for artists/homeless people where they can learn art dance live etc.. in my home country for free that’s always feels like a priority for me. We have so many young kids in the streets taking drugs and sleeping outside they don’t deserve that they deserve a better life than that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/baptistakawadancer?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baptistakawa?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.facebook.com/Baptistakawabathy?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@baptistakawa

Image Credits
Michael Christopher Brown