Netflix has partnered with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Productions to release a moving short documentary about one of Uganda’s most inspiring cultural exports, the Masaka Kids Africana dance troupe.
The film, titled Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within, tells the remarkable story of children from Masaka who lost their parents to war, famine, and disease, yet found hope, healing, and international recognition through dance and music.
The documentary is directed by David Vieira Lopez and Moses Bwayo, with co-production support from Campfire Studios and Wontanara Productions. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also listed as producers, adding global star power to the project, which is expected to premiere later this year on Netflix.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex first discovered Masaka Kids during the COVID-19 pandemic, when their son Archie became captivated by the troupe’s energetic viral dance videos. The project also holds personal significance for Harry, whose late friend Henry Van Straubenzee dedicated much of his life to supporting education initiatives in Uganda.
Founded in 2013 by Hassan Suuna, Masaka Kids Africana now supports over 200 orphans and vulnerable children. Their YouTube channel, launched in 2018, has grown to over 4 million subscribers, with several videos surpassing 100 million views. The group has also received acclaim from global stars like Janet Jackson and Drake, and collaborated with internationally renowned DJ David Guetta. In 2024, they performed live in Spain during the Barcelona–Valencia football match, marking another milestone in their international journey.
Unlike the viral clips that made them famous, Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within provides an intimate portrait of the children’s lives, highlighting resilience, culture, and community spirit. The documentary adds to Archewell Productions’ growing Netflix slate, which includes Harry & Meghan, Heart of Invictus, and Live to Lead, and is expected to shine a global spotlight on Uganda’s rich cultural scene.
With the premiere of Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within, the Masaka Kids Africana are set to show the world that rhythm, creativity, and hope can transform adversity into international triumph.
