Revelers ignore terror alerts, grace Nyege Nyege festival in large numbers
Nyege Nyege music festival once gain confirmed its status as one of the biggest music festivals in the East African region.
Whereas the UK and US embassies had issued travel advisories cautioning against potential terrorist attacks, revelers graced the festival in big numbers and partied like they didn’t care.
They enjoyed the unique cultural performances at the picturesque source of the Nile.
Revelers from within Uganda, neighbouring East African countries, Africa and the world at large graced the four-day event.
Artists
The lineup of artists who graced the festival which is currently in its eighth year included Ugandan Grammy nominee and BET award winner, Eddy Kenzo, Sho Mdjozi and Vigro Deep from South Africa as well as Nigerian hip hop singer Aunty Rayzor and African DJ Kampire.
The crowds were also entertained by Kenya’s Boutross, Bushali from Rwanda, DJ Diaki from Mali, De Schuurman from Netherlands, Muoyipussi(Finland), Chovu(Kenya), A Pass, Karole Kasita and Yuri from Japan among others all of whom gave life to the festival.
Organisers put in place six stages including Uganda Waragi, Busoga music, Hakuna Kulala, Smirnoff Rave and the traditional stage which offered different kinds of entertainment to the revelers as the spirit of dance and party took over the Source of the Nile in Jinja City.
Beyond the entertainment, the festival was yet another opportunity for food vendors, hotels and a number of business persons to sell their products.
Records from organisers indicated that at least 400 vendors applied to provide several services during the four-day festival.
Locals in Jinja were also employed to provide boda boda and special hire transport services as well as supplying food to the festival goers whereas others provided their houses for Airbnb services.
“Nyege Nyege is a celebration of music, community, self-expression and diversity, and as the spirit of Uganda, Uganda Waragi creates experiences that bring our consumers closer together as they celebrate the best that life has to offer,” said Hilary Baguma, the brand manager at Uganda Breweries, key sponsors of the festival.
According to organisers, over 20,000 people from all walks of life attended this year’s Nyege Nyege festival that also attracted more than 300 artists.
“People came from all over the world to party and the result was a beautiful experience. We look forward to doing it again next year, “said Derek Debru, the organizer.
