A lockdown dance craze loved by Prince Archie has become the focus of Prince Harry and Meghan’s next Netflix project.
The couple’s production company, Archewell, is behind Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within, a documentary short following a Ugandan charity that gives orphaned children a home and sense of belonging.
The film is expected to debut on Netflix later this year.
When launching Archewell Productions, Harry and Meghan promised to “spotlight diverse voices and share uplifting stories.”
Prince Archie’s lockdown passion sparks Harry and Meghan’s latest Netflix project
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Until now, their best-known projects have been a six-part series about their own lives and Meghan’s lifestyle show, which included tutorials on balloon arches and food displays.
Their latest release, however, shifts attention onto a group of children who became online stars with their infectious dance routines.
Although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not involved in filming and have not visited Uganda, they were captivated by the Masaka Kids’ viral videos during lockdown.
“They would watch the videos regularly with Archie at home,” a spokesman for the couple told The Telegraph. “So, they were already admirers of the organisation before the film project came to them in 2023.”
Meghan Markle shared a picture of Prince Archie on his birthday
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The documentary charts how independent filmmaker David Lopez built a relationship with the children over several years, capturing their lives in Uganda while volunteering.
He later teamed up with Campfire Studios and Ugandan director Moses Bwayo, before the project was taken to Archewell Productions.
“When the Duke and Duchess were made aware of the short, they quickly recognised the kids from their viral videos and fell in love with their deeper stories,” their spokesman said.
To finish the film, Archewell worked with Emmy-winning producer Geeta Gandbhir.
Meghan and Harry's film focuses on Masaka Kids, a group of Ugandan orphans who have become YouTube sensations
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The result shines a light on Masaka Kids, an organisation founded in 2013 that supports Uganda’s 2.4 million orphaned children — many affected by poverty, HIV/Aids and years of civil war.
The charity provides shelter, food, education and medical care to 35 children, as well as outreach in nearby villages.
Founder Suuna Hassan, who once lived on the streets himself, uses music and dance as a way to inspire the children and connect globally.
“No matter what your background is, you can always enjoy people performing a good dance to a nice foot-tapping number,” he has said.
Masaka Kids pictured in 2019, visiting Istanbul
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“It is universal and the best way to send a message. If you look at our videos on social media, you will understand the message we are trying to convey.”
Their performances — often set to artists like Michael Jackson or Dire Straits — have attracted millions of views and taken the group on international tours.
Harry is understood to feel a personal connection to Uganda through his late friend Henry van Straubenzee, who died in 2002 before he could volunteer there. The memorial fund set up in his name went on to educate thousands of Ugandan children, with both Harry and William serving as patrons until the charity closed in 2023.
The Sussexes’ spokesman said their involvement in the film was about “helping amplify their stories and help spread their love and joy even further across the globe.”
Hassan hopes the project can support his mission to expand the charity. “That is my wish, and I think this could help,” he told The Telegraph.