By Staff Writer
Nyege Nyege is finally here. The fifth Edition of Nyege Nyege is going down at Nile Discovery Beach in Jinja. Yes, right at the source of the Nile. It’s 300 artistes, 6 stages and 4 days of non-stop fun.
There’s not a single festival in Africa that comes close. It’s two stages playing mainstream African music versus 4 stages playing the cream of the East African underground with a carefully selected line up of international artists, including acts from all over the Continent as well as a special focus on China, Indonesia and the US.
This 5th edition really aims to bring forth the amazingness of the Ugandan and East African creative spirit. By showcasing performances and happenings, art installations and delicious cuisine, dancers, acrobats, graffiti artists and fortune tellers, musicians, magicians, all brought together to create one grand adventure that lasts for four days. Even more so than previous years, this year’s edition will be highly participatory and interactive, with a special emphasis on building community and spaces that are safe and fun.
This year Nyege Nyege is endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism and the city of Njeru, making it a joint effort to showcase the beauty and hospitality of Uganda to all foreign visitors. Nyege Nyege is partnering with several touring companies in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa and Los Angeles to give visitors a chance to combine the festival with other adventures, from rafting to safari and mountain climbing, or simply relaxing, Uganda has something for everyone.
This year the festival will feature 5 stages and one secret stage, as well as roving traditional bands and a few disco shacks outside the festival grounds where surprise acts from the official line up will perform.
Music is once again the main topic on the Nyege program, with over 300 performers coming from over 30 countries, in essence a true celebration of music.
Fulu Mziki the legendary 8 piece band from Kinshasa will make their first appearance outside of the Democratic Republic of Congo, they will be in Kampala for a month building instruments, costumes and recording an album in the Nyege Nyege Studio, ahead of one of the most anticipated performances.
D JDiaki from Bamako will bang out balani tunes, while DJ Serpent Noir will bring Ivoirian coupe décalé to the tropical stage, Menzi, Msaki, Sho Madjozi and DooWop will bring the whole range of South African music from gqom to afrohouse and soul, Hama the synth virtuoso from Niger will take everyone to the Sahel while Infrapa will breath new life in his twisted kalindula soukous hiphop from Kisangani.
From China we will have electronic heavyweights and label boss Kilo Vee, who wil.
Remember, Nyege Nyege is nothing but the feeling of a sudden uncontrollable urge to move, shake or dance.
Are you ready to Nyege?
