Global Fútbol

The derby between Real Betis and Sevilla FC is more than a football match, as it is also a celebration of Seville, Andalusia and the region’s culture. Flamenco is one of Andalusia’s most celebrated art forms and, as LaLiga spreads the culture of this derby around the world, a fusion between flamenco and the traditional Tanzanian dance of bugobogobo has been orchestrated in the city of Dar es Salaam.

Four Tanzanian dancers from the MUDA Africa music and dance organisation performed this unique cultural crossover, filming scenes the week before the LaLiga Santander match at the iconic Dar es Salaam landmarks of Coco Beach and the Mwenge market. MUDA Africa had already caught the eye for its rendition of what was named African Flamenco, so LaLiga, Real Betis and Sevilla FC were excited to work with this dance centre to show how El Gran Derbi – the Great Derby, in English – can be enjoyed beyond Spain’s borders.

Discussing this collaboration, Álvaro Payá, LaLiga’s delegate in Tanzania, said: “The performance was fabulous and it was a unique work of art because of the fusion of dances and because of the natural connection with the city of Seville. To see it executed from up close, it was amazing to see the choreography, production and execution of such a different piece. We are convinced that we can reach many fans around the world through culture and art. It’s clear that El Gran Derbi is enjoyed in a special way in Tanzania.”

MUDA Africa echoed that sentiment, with the organisation’s co-founder and executive director Rachel Kessi stating: “Thanks to LaLiga, we can not only celebrate football moves but also the magic of dance moves and artistry.” Dorothy Mrema, one of the MUDA Africa dancers, added: “LaLiga gave us the opportunity to fuse cultures and celebrate our unique differences.”

The two clubs of this derby were also delighted with how this project turned out, with Real Betis and Sevilla FC even sending materials to Dar es Salaam to help add some additional colour and vibrancy to the performances.

Both Real Betis and Sevilla FC have established connections in Tanzania and East Africa in the past. For example, Real Betis have collaborated with Tanzanian football club Morombo FC, sending sporting equipment to help this Arusha-based team’s development programmes. Sevilla FC, meanwhile, visited Dar es Salaam in 2019 to play a friendly against Simba SC and then joined forces with LaLiga in 2020 to provide advisory support to Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga SC), the most successful club in Tanzanian football.

For the first meeting between the clubs in the 2021/22 LaLiga Santander season, these teams’ fans from Tanzania will be cheering on to the beat of flamenco and bugobogobo. Supporters from across Africa will be paying close attention to El Gran Derbi, especially with the likes of Paul Akouokou, Bono, Youssef En-Nesyri and Munir holding important roles in the Real Betis and Sevilla FC squads.