Bumpa
Aug 22, 2025
Director
Kayla Naomi WatkinsOverview
This documentary will explore the Afro-Caribbean dance, ‘whining’ alongside the practice of twerking to analyze respectability politics, pressures to accommodate whiteness, and gendered criticism of sexual expression within the Black diaspora. Using archival footage of West African dance, expert opinion from dancing and gender studies professors, and the active participation of partygoers in a dance experiment, Watkins will paint the picture of the defiance, autonomy, and ancestral veneration intrinsic to these traditional movement styles.
Crew of Bumpa
Kayla Naomi WatkinsDirector, Writer- Ja'Rel IvoryProducer
- Simone HollandDirector of Photography
- Aidan M. UnEditor
- Carmel BergLighting Design
- Cullen "Cloud" AskewLighting Design
- Kessai WatkinsBTS Photographer
- Theron LouisBTS Videographer
- Moira McConnellBest Boy Electric
- Lucy Soutter"B" Camera Operator, Digital Imaging Technician
- Mo LaRena"B" Camera Operator
- Prudence KatzeSound
- Steve SklarowSound
- Joshua ChildsProduction Assistant
About Bumpa
What is Bumpa about?
This documentary will explore the Afro-Caribbean dance, ‘whining’ alongside the practice of twerking to analyze respectability politics, pressures to accommodate whiteness, and gendered criticism of sexual expression within the Black diaspora. Using archival footage of West African dance, expert opinion from dancing and gender studies professors, and the active participation of partygoers in a…
When was Bumpa released?
Bumpa was released on August 22, 2025.
Who directed Bumpa?
Bumpa was directed by Kayla Naomi Watkins.
Who is in the cast of Bumpa?
The cast of Bumpa includes Vera Adams (self), Quadrelle Harris (self), Nyla Murray (self), Queen Nzinga (self) and Maria E. Rivera (self).