The Nyege Nyege music and arts festival, Uganda's premier tourism event, is set to hold its 9th annual celebration from November 14th-17th, 2024, at the picturesque Source of the Nile in Jinja. This year’s theme, "Afrogalactic Carnival," promises a vibrant fusion of future-forward music and ancestral traditions, all while showcasing Uganda's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry.
Nyege Nyege has always been a beacon of Pan-African diversity, and this year is no exception. The festival will feature a plethora of traditional Ugandan acts, representing the vast array of cultural expressions from across the country. Moreover, the event will highlight the talents of refugee communities residing in Uganda, with performances from Sudanese, Congolese, Eritrean, Burundian, and Ethiopian artists.
Cultural pavilions and stages will celebrate the music, fashion, food, and culture of East Africa and beyond, reinforcing Uganda's reputation as one of the world's most hospitable countries. Festival organizer Derek Debru emphasized the event's mission to reflect Uganda's hospitality and cultural diversity, advocating for peace and an insatiable zest for enjoyment, which encapsulates the essence of "Nyege Nyege."
The 2024 festival will see curated showcases from across Africa and the globe, including Sudan, South Africa, Ivory Coast, DRC, India, and Brazil. Special partnerships with cultural organizations from various parts of Uganda will ensure a diverse representation. A standout feature will be a showcase from Sudanese artists-in-exile, curated in collaboration with Kampala-based Sudanese artists.
Supported by their respective governments, Brazil and the UK will have a prominent presence at this year's festival. The event's lineup will be announced on July 1st, featuring guest curators from Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, adding to the anticipation.
Nyege Nyege 2024 will be hosted at a new 12-acre site at the Source of the Nile in Jinja, Njeru. This new location boasts a brand-new aquapark, ample parking, camping infrastructures, and natural security, making it an ideal setting for the festival. The organizers have collaborated with neighboring lands to establish and run this year's campsite, directly connected to the festival site.
In addition to the main event, long-term sponsor Uganda Breweries will host three distinct experiences. The new Hakuna Kulala stage will feature a 96-hour marathon of music and performances, including live acts, DJs, dance, and theater. Nyege Nyege's partner, Talent Africa, known as Uganda's premier event production company, will ensure a top-notch festival experience.
The festival’s partnership with Kingfisher Resort will offer accommodation just five minutes away from the site. Additionally, Nyege Nyege has teamed up with Platinum Tours and Travels to create tourism packages for festival-goers, allowing them to explore the Pearl of Africa through safaris and visits to local cultural sites before and after the event.
Nyege Nyege is not only a cultural celebration but also a significant economic driver. The 2024 festival is expected to inject $10 million into Uganda's economy. It will create 2,000 jobs directly through the festival and an additional 2,000 jobs through the ancillary businesses that cater to visitors. Vendors, professional service companies, and accommodation and travel services will all benefit from the influx of festival-goers.
Tickets for Nyege Nyege 2024 are now on sale and can be purchased at www.nyegenyege.com, www.mookh.com, and www.ra.com.
As the Festival gears up for its ninth edition, the anticipation is palpable. This year’s edition promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and diversity, embodying the true spirit of Uganda and the wider African continent.
