“Esuba is how we speak to those who came before us, and how we introduce ourselves to those who will come after.” — Our community member

Esuba in Greater Manchester

In 2025, M’Mbondo Manchester brought Esuba to Dukinfield Town Hall in Tameside — filling a historic civic space with the sounds, colours, and movement of Babondo culture. Community members dressed in vibrant Kitenge attire performed under the guidance of experienced cultural elders and community leaders, ensuring that the choreography and presentation honoured the authenticity of the tradition.
Watching Esuba performed in a town hall in Greater Manchester is a remarkable thing. It is a reminder that culture travels with its people — that the Babondo heritage did not stay behind in the DRC when our community came to the UK. It came with us. It lives in our children’s movements and our elders’ guidance.

Passing It On

One of M’Mbondo Manchester’s most important commitments is to ensure that younger generations — particularly those born and raised in the UK — grow up knowing Esuba. Through community events, cultural demonstrations, and the patient teaching of our elders, we are working to ensure that this dance does not become a memory. It should remain a living practice, performed with joy and pride by every generation of Babondo people, wherever in the world they find themselves.

If you would like to see Esuba performed or learn more about Babondo cultural events, follow M’Mbondo Manchester on social media or contact HERE