KAMPALA: Africa’s biggest music festival Nyege Nyege has returned to the shores of the River Nile in Uganda after over two years of COVID-19 induced lockdown.
Nyege Nyege is a collective in Kampala, Uganda that promotes outsider music, primarily electronic, by African artists. It was founded in 2013 by expats Arlen Dilsizian and Derek Debru.
The Festival co-founder Derek Debru told NBS TV on Friday night that the most awaited annual event will take place in September from 15 to 18.
Debru also revealed that since the old venue had become too small, there was a need for change to give the event a new edge. “Itanda Falls will be the venue for Nyege Nyege for the next five years.”
This new edition has a new location, fresh experiences, and a stupendous lineup of over 300 artists from around the world.
By upgrading to a brand-new site, Nyege Nyege is confident that it will be able to offer revelers a more comfortable and spacious experience while putting Itanda Falls on the map as one of East Africa’s most fascinating tourism destinations.
“Despite a two-year forced hiatus, Nyege Nyege’s vision remains the same: to declutter the global culture space of old ideas about what African music is about, to dispel existing and oppressive stereotypes, and to provide more equitable access to international markets for African creatives, as well as a space for diverse voices from alternative music to connect with one another,” read a statement from the organizers.
A festival built on love, resilience, and passion for music, Nyege Nyege is going all-in this year, collaborating with collectives from across the continent, as well as online radios invited to present at the festival; with a special emphasis this year on visual art installations, innovative stage design, a luxurious camping experience, and new tourism activities, including rafting the Nile rapids all the way to the shores of the festival!
Nyege Nyege Festival is now considered the most important four-day international music festival in East Africa.