By Our Reporter
Nyege Nyege International Music Festival returns to the source of the Nile river in Jinja, Uganda from 1st – 3rd September 2017; bringing its unique fusion of international and local African sounds to the idyllic venue Nile Discovery Beach.
The festival which launched in 2015 immediately established its reputation as one of the best new music festivals worldwide.
Nyege Nyege once again brings attendees the best in influential and eclectic musical acts influenced by the continent.
Cameroonian superstar Reniss who has taken over the continent with her hit “La Sauce” will appear for the first time in East Africa alongside rapper Jovi. Ghanaian DJ/Producer Gafacci will also make his regional debut as Jowaa, representing the most cutting edge African electronic music.
This year’s festival will also be the East African premier for the Cruel Boyz, Gqom pioneers from Durban, South Africa. Lisbon’s Batida king Dj NK, Italian percussive performance artists Ninos Du Brasil, Germany’s Harmonious Thelonious, Ireland outernationalist Peter Power and dancefloor legend DJ Marcelle (NE) will all make their first appearances in Africa. Sisso Records will give Uganda its first taste of the 170bpm Singeli music driving Tanzania’s youth crazy.
With the generous support of the Arts Council (UK), NTS Radio, the internet’s most influential platform for new and old music, will curate a special stage on the festival’s first night with British DJs Moxie, A.G., Anu and Skinny Macho.
Representing locally the festival will see performances from Jinja’s own Maro, Mbale’s Byg Ben, Femme Electronic pioneer DJ Rachel, King of the dancefloor DJ Aludah, Talent Africa’s DJ Crisio and will feature a showcase from events platform A Ka Dope.
The 2017 edition places special emphasis on the rich diversity of Ugandan traditional music, with 13 different performance troupes from all corners of the country including the Domadana Kadodi Performers, Abonga the blind zither player from Gulu, and Ennanga Vision – the collaboration with Owiny Sigoma’s Jesse Hackett and Buganda Cultural Ensemble’s Albert Ssempeke.
Many of the international acts will be in Kampala for a month ahead of the festival to collaborate with Ugandan musicians and prepare performances at this year’s edition.
