In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Bilal Musa Huka about his show Black Blues Brothers: Let's Twist Again.
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| Photo by Ryan Warburton |
What can you tell me about your show?
It's an acrobatic show with twist and rock 'n' roll music.
It's an acrobatic show with twist and rock 'n' roll music.
The setting is a waiting room in a smoky train station. A phone call to our girlfriend makes us miss our train, and from there it's a riot of somersaults, human pyramids, and tightrope acts. An hour of pure fun.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
We are five acrobats from Kenya. Our director is Italian. The combination of these two elements has created something unique: it's not the classic traditional African show; here we have rock 'n' roll rhythms and film noir imagery. With a healthy dose of irony.
I would therefore define our style as "acrobatic pop" because we combine physical virtuosity with memorable hits, genuine smiles, and constant audience engagement.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
We have been collaborating with the director for a long time. Our first show, The Black Blues Brothers, was a success that toured all over the world.
We have been collaborating with the director for a long time. Our first show, The Black Blues Brothers, was a success that toured all over the world.
At a certain point, we wanted to create something new that still retained our recognizable traits.
Let's Twist Again! is a bit like a second chapter, because the characters are the same (we appear on stage dressed as the Blues Brothers once again) and, above all, the attitude is identical: the desire to entertain the audience.
The stunts are different, more complicated than in the first show, because we never stop challenging ourselves.
Those who loved The Black Blues Brothers will love Let's Twist Again!, perhaps even more!
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
We live in a complicated time, where it's easy to get discouraged. We need joy, and we modestly try to convey a bit of it to all spectators. Acrobatics is a universal language, uniting young and old, men and women, regardless of their creed, nationality, or identity. It's nice to know that, at least for an hour, we can all come together to have fun and dance.
We live in a complicated time, where it's easy to get discouraged. We need joy, and we modestly try to convey a bit of it to all spectators. Acrobatics is a universal language, uniting young and old, men and women, regardless of their creed, nationality, or identity. It's nice to know that, at least for an hour, we can all come together to have fun and dance.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
We're always physically fit, we rehearse and perform all year round, but for the Fringe, we've started holding extra rehearsal sessions to ensure we deliver the best possible performance. But be careful not to overdo it! You need to arrive fit, not battered!
This will be our sixth time at the Fringe, so we know what to expect, and that helps us mentally, even though every year is a different Fringe, and the anticipation and tension are still palpable this year. Knowing that last year our show was a hit with both audiences and critics (who gave us numerous 5-star reviews) reassures us. But above all, it's the honour of being at the most important festival in the world that pushes us to be in the right spirit: focused, but also proud.
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| Photo by Ryan Warburton |
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
We definitely carry the ropes we use for one of our acts around with us and would invite the audience to jump with us!
We definitely carry the ropes we use for one of our acts around with us and would invite the audience to jump with us!
That's always one of the most popular moments during the show, and it would be fun to see the audience try it out.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
I could say useful objects, like the bus pass or the equipment we use for rehearsals. But instead, I say... a pillow! I take it as a symbol of the fact that it's also important to rest, to take your time, otherwise the Fringe will devour you. So, every now and then, rest your head on the pillow and remember that, after all, we are in a big party.
I could say useful objects, like the bus pass or the equipment we use for rehearsals. But instead, I say... a pillow! I take it as a symbol of the fact that it's also important to rest, to take your time, otherwise the Fringe will devour you. So, every now and then, rest your head on the pillow and remember that, after all, we are in a big party.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
At the Fringe and in even the smallest theater, success is seeing happy audiences. It seems trivial, but isn't that the whole point? When audience members give us a standing ovation, we know we've done a good job.
Of course, performing at the Fringe also means showing off to professionals from all over the world, and impressing them is certainly a goal we set ourselves. Performing at the Fringe has already led us to international tours in the past, and we hope to expand the number of nations even further.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Go see Circa's Wolf! We saw it last year and it's phenomenal. It's also one of the most interesting contemporary circus companies.
Go see Circa's Wolf! We saw it last year and it's phenomenal. It's also one of the most interesting contemporary circus companies.
We're really curious about Afronauts, so we'll see it as soon as we have the chance.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they’re not watching performances?
Edinburgh is stunning, and we discover something new every year.
Edinburgh is stunning, and we discover something new every year.
To avoid being banal and instead suggest mainstream spots, we recommend North Queensferry. Its retro atmosphere and sea views are unforgettable.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Acrobatics, music, rhythm, joy, amazement
What keeps you inspired?
We've been doing acrobatics since we were little, when we'd hang out on the beach with our friends and try to do tricks and jumps. Before it became a job, it's a passion for us. I couldn't not do it. Inspiration comes from the feeling of well-being we feel when we do it. That's what drives us to improve and invent new ways to perform.
We've been doing acrobatics since we were little, when we'd hang out on the beach with our friends and try to do tricks and jumps. Before it became a job, it's a passion for us. I couldn't not do it. Inspiration comes from the feeling of well-being we feel when we do it. That's what drives us to improve and invent new ways to perform.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
A big smile.
A big smile.
When and where can people see the show?
Our show will be performed daily from August 5th to 31st (except the 18th) at 5pm in the beautiful Underbelly McEwan Hall in Bristo Square.
Our show will be performed daily from August 5th to 31st (except the 18th) at 5pm in the beautiful Underbelly McEwan Hall in Bristo Square.
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/black-blues-brothers-let-s-twist-again
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| Photo by Ryan Warburton |
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