Get your best dance moves at the ready for a party at the World Stage!
Move to the rhythm of the world with global beats, vibrant dance, and cultural fusion come alive in the heart of Botanic Gardens. As the centrepiece of Mela Day, this electrifying stage brings together international artists and local talent for a spectacular celebration of music and movement.
What's On
Bhangra Smash Up
Bhangra Smash Up formed in 2017 and since then have performed all over the UK, including some of the biggest festivals and events across the region. This is not a regular drumming band; they can guarantee that – once the Bhangra Smash Up take the stage with their electrifying Dhol beats, fusing with the Dholak and mainstream music, you cannot help but to dance!
Manukahunney
Siobhan Brown ( Manukahunney) is a singer & songwriter who’s musical influences hail from the 60’s/70/’s and 80’s encompassing everything from James brown and Sam Cooke to Joni Mitchell , Jill Scott & Roy Ayers . She sang in numerous gospel groups before starting the band Manukahunney in 2012 as a conduit for her love of soul music, particularly the raw, energetic and funky sounds of Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin et al.
Leo Miyagee
Leo Miyagee, a 26-year-old rap dynamo, is leaving an indelible mark on the UK and Irish Hip-Hop scenes with his versatile style, blending punchy lyricism with Jazz undertones. Hailing from the unique blend of Belfast and South London. He has a refreshingly distinctive sound and songwriting that, gives a Wretch32, Kendrick Lamar vibe. This standout artist has been carving out his own unique lane and is one to watch this year. Multiple nominations at the NI Music Prize, including BBC Artist of the Year, Best Album, and Live Act, showcase Leo’s impact.
Belfast Dabke
Dabke is a folk dance which explores identity, culture & social justice through movements. The aim of this dance group is to empower individuals from migrant and refugee background to express their identity and voices and be part of the cultural scene of Belfast.
Con Eire & The Belfast Funk Foundation
Con Éire and the Belfast Funk Foundation are an 8 piece fusion group blending Funk, Neo-Soul, Nu-Jazz, RnB, Hip-Hop and House - they draw influences from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, Kokoroko, D’angelo, Steve Lacy and Haitus Kaiyote. Belfast Funk Foundation (FKA Belfast busking band) have played hundreds of gigs in Northern Ireland, developing into a rhythm powerhouse with their distinctive brass ensemble and earned a massive following through busking on the streets of Belfast
Dance United
Dance United are a new collective of diverse dancers living in Northern Ireland. They return to Mela with a performances blending the rich cultural influences of Bollywood/bangra K-pop, and Arabian music, all infused with dynamic hip-hop elements.
South Asian Dance Academy
The South Asian Dance Academy (SADA) provide amazing Bollywood & classical performances and workshops throughout the island of Ireland. SADA also works to encourage engagement and participation in traditional and contemporary South Asian dance. The academy works with a diverse group of freelance dancers with varying skills, discipline areas, genres of focus and levels of experience
Chinese Dance NI
Local members of the Chinese community present traditional Chinese fan dancing, which is a centuries old dance style from China. The group is led by dancer Weihong who performs all over Northern Ireland
Mexican Dance NI & Irish Entertainment Group
Experience a unique meeting of cultures as Mexican Dance NI joins forces with the Irish Entertainment Group, led by former Riverdance performer Ciaran Connolly. Blending the vibrant costumes and joyful traditions of Mexican folk dance with the dynamic rhythms and world-renowned artistry of Irish dance, this special collaboration is a celebration of friendship, cultural exchange and the universal language of dance.
The Rock Choir
Rock Choir Northern Ireland is the UK's original award-winning contemporary choir, bringing together hundreds of singers from across Northern Ireland in a joyful celebration of music and community. Performing uplifting arrangements of pop, rock and chart classics, Rock Choir is renowned for its infectious energy, powerful harmonies and feel-good performances that have captivated audiences at events across the UK. Get ready to sing along and experience the power of voices united.
Praana Rhythm of Dance
Praana – Rhythm of Dance brings the colour, energy and spectacle of Bollywood to the stage with vibrant choreography, dazzling costumes and infectious music. Combining traditional South Asian dance with contemporary influences, the group celebrates culture, creativity and community through performances guaranteed to get audiences smiling, clapping and dancing along.