The lush greens of Jinja Golf Course transformed this past weekend with the festival bliss of the annual Uganda Waragi Nyege Nyege.
The four electrifying days from Thursday to Sunday saw the festival pulsate with energy from thousands of beating hearts, all united by a love for music, culture and uninhibited fun.
A Global Stage, Locally Crafted
Nyege Nyege shone a spotlight on the transformative power of unity and music tourism . International artists and performers brought a taste of their home countries while local artistry was present and flourishing.
Ugandans showcased their range from fashion and crafts to captivating performances on the various stages while blending sounds and experiences for a unique overall cultural immersion.
The Spirit of Ug stage was hard to miss as the dance troupes like Uganda’s Imagit Cultural Group, Burundi’s Intare Performance Group and the Bwindi Batwa Dancers captivated audiences with their intricate footwork, energetic drumbeats and acrobatic leaps. This intermingling of cultures speaks to the spirit of unity and appreciation for diverse artistic expression forms that have become synonymous with the festival, fostered by the spirit that binds us, Uganda Waragi.
Mama Nyege Nyege Makes a Surprise Appearance
Day 3 witnessed a delightful surprise when Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, affectionately dubbed “Mama Nyege Nyege” for her unwavering support for the festival since its inception. This visit underscored the festival’s significance – as a musical extravaganza and as a platform for community engagement and celebration.
Nights Filled with Stars (and Rising Ones)
Intermittent rain kept the tents and experiential stages busy in the earlier parts of the days with something for everyone going on across the Jinja Golf Course grounds;
Walking into venue, sight of the Dark Star stage gave the appearance of a blackhole from which futuristic sounds emerged including the Authentic Voices Africa Uganda, Yao Bobby & Simon Grab from Togo & Switzerland, Norway’s Sturle Dagsland and Tabideee from Sudan.
The “no sleeping” memo was loudest at the lively house and kwaito sounds in the Hakuna Kulala setup. Acts like Brazil’s Trap Funk & Alvio, Scorpio Qveen from France, Dadaman from South Africa and Germany’s Acid Pauli gave their global spins to the sounds that local DJs like Kamali and Chapat have been mixing to keep people quick-stepping and body popping.
The energy towards the opposite end from the main stage shifted as one crossed towards the Ubuntu and Reggae areas where collectives took the stages with mash-ups between Uganda’s Black Wave Sounds, Recho Ray & Zex Bilangilangi, DJ Boben from Rwanda, Soundaman Dela from Kenya and Bantu Vibes artistes including Kohen Jaycee, Chief Clansmen, Niwe Akeine, Denesi.
The Uganda Waragi Tent was a whole party of its own and featured spinning and mixing masterclasses from some of the finest and upcoming DJs in the country including but not limited to DJ Vans, Janja DJ & Josh MC, Ssese, Alza, Bugy and Melvyn DJ.
As the rain clouds cleared, the stars shone on the Uganda Waragi main stage. DRC’s Titi Bakorta showed his multi-instrumental prowess followed by a number of intriguing instrumental performances from Sudan’s Asim Gorashi, Mina & Bryte UK/ Ghana, and Sudan Culture before bringing it back to local acts like songstress Pia Pounds, who captivated audiences with her electrifying performance, followed by the soulful and powerful vocals of Kenneth Mugabi.
Elijah Kitaka took the crowd on an unusual yet captivating musical journey and the night culminated in a lively set by Masaka superstar DJ, Ssuuna Ben.
Revellers danced under the stars, their arms raised high, waving branches in the signature Kinyanyanyanya style as the house was brought down through till the sun came out.
Responsible Revelry
For all the aspects of excess associated with Nyege Nyege, this edition was not short of safety measures. From multiple security checkpoints (including a temperature check at the first entry point) to a constant supply of water at the festival, it’s no surprise that revellers were able to keep the party going all through the days. Uganda Breweries’ Red Card campaign prioritized responsible enjoyment and ensured a safe and fun experience for all with strategically placed hydration stations offering free water throughout the festival, reminding everyone to stay hydrated and drink responsibly. The campaign also promoted designated drivers and zero tolerance for drunk driving, ensuring a safe journey home for everyone.
Nyege Nyege: More Than a Festival, a Movement
Nyege Nyege continues to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their brilliance, a catalyst for tourism that injects financial oxygen into local businesses through the power of music to bring people together.
The influx of thousands of international and domestic tourists sent ripples throughout Jinja’s economy. Within and around the venue, artisans and vendors, from jewellery makers to clothing sellers, seized the opportunity to showcase their wares to a diverse audience of willing buyers. Additional delights like a centrally-placed Ferris wheel, face-painting stations, tattoo artists as well as massage stations were also set up to add another dimension to the activities to engage in for the duration of the four days.
Hotels basked in increased occupancy, while transportation services from boda bodas to taxis experienced a surge in fares as festival-goers navigated Jinja town. Local eateries and food vendors thrive, catering to the insatiable appetites of revellers 24/7.
With all this, it is undeniable that the festival’s economic impact extends beyond its immediate duration as it leaves a lasting positive effect on Jinja’s economic landscape. As the final notes of music faded, the promise of Nyege Nyege 2025 hung heavy in the air – a promise of music, cultural exchange and a celebration of Ugandan brilliance on a global stage.
