Nyege Nyege, loosely translated to ‘an irresistible urge to move or shake,’ has become one of the most anticipated festivals in Uganda and East Africa at large. People from far and wide gather to celebrate the cultural diversity, music, food… and the food again—because let’s be real, nothing beats festival food. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this vibrant festival? The controversies around it from various groups? Well, what a better time to dig into it than now, as the festival is gearing on in the Busoga Kingdom in Eastern Uganda.
The origins of Nyege Nyege start in 2015 by a team of music enthusiasts and cultural promoters led by Arlen Dilsizian and Derek Debru. They envisioned it as a platform to showcase the richness of African electronic music, alongside underground beats from around the world. Initially, the festival was held at the Nile Discovery beach in jinja, along the banks of river Nile, which gave the festival a scenic and tropical vibe.
Over the years, nyege nyege has grown into a symbol of freedom, expression and diversity, a meeting ground for people of all cultures.
According to the founders, the festivals name reflects a core African spirit—a joyous release and the freedom to celebrate music without borders. It also promotes rising artists from East Africa and beyond, making it a hotbed for discovering new talent.
This edgy nature, has inevitably sparked controversy with some Ugandan officials and religious groups zealously criticizing Nyege Nyege for allegedly promoting “immorality.” Authorities have often claimed that the event encourages behavior that goes against the traditional values. In 2018, for example, government officials sought to ban Nyege Nyege on the basis of “sexual immorality and drug use.” The move however was met with backlash from the festival-goers, artists and the pubic who argued that the festival is a celebration of culture, not vice.
Ultimately, the event was allowed to continue albeit under conditions like increased security and monitoring. But of course, these restrictions haven’t dimmed the festival’s energy; if anything, they seem to have fueled an even stronger sense of community and resistance among its attendees.
But what is The Real Nyege Nyege? Festival-goers describe it as a liberating escape where they feel free to be themselves and embrace the music without restrictions or judgement. Many of them believe that the critics have misjudged the event, arguing that Nyege Nyege is not about indulgence but rather about celebrating African creativity and diversity.
To them, it’s about the inclusive atmosphere where everyone is welcome, regardless of background. The festival offers a chance to meet people from all over the world, enjoy both contemporary and traditional music and explore a unique blend of African and global cultures…and indeed, the Nyege Nyege festival is one of its own in Africa.
Beyond the music, Nyege Nyege offers a wide range of activities that keep its festival-goers engaged. The festival offers multiple stages that offer a variety of music genres and performances.
Each year, the festival showcases art installations and traditional performances with workshops on music production, cultural discussions and talks on African music’s future.
And then the food. This is a major draw at the Nyege Nyege festival where you can sample everything from local Ugandan dishes to a range of international treats. Vendors set up food stalls with an assortment of snacks, full meals, and exotic drinks so much that many festival goers say the food alone is worth the visit.
Nyege Nyege has persevered, even expanding its reach with a record label, Nyege Nyege Tapes which supports underground African Artists. The influence has shifted Uganda’s music scene and placed East African music on the global map.
To many, it’s a movement, a pulse, and a celebration of everything that makes life vibrant. It’s where music speaks louder than words, where cultures blend seamlessly, and where strangers become friends over shared beats and a plate of Nyama Choma.
