The festival is changing its backdrop, from the waters ofUganda’s White Nile, to the digital world. Nyege Nyege adapts to the health situation by taking some of its programming online, from December 3 to 6.
After having to cancel in September, this festival is giving up and unveils its sixth edition, an online event featuring live concerts, DJ sets, audio-visual installations, films, dance workshops, a pan-African dance battle and more. Taking place over four days and four nights from December 3 to 6, the festival will be accessible via the Nyege Nyege website, and this year’s theme is “African Unity.” Among the 350 confirmed artists are Kampire, Duma, Slikback, MC Yallah, Otim Alpha, Catu Diosis, Nilotika and many others.
For those living in Uganda, Nyege Nyege will use the national network of motorbike taxis – or “boda boda” as they are known in East Africa – to deliver “party packages,” including discounted food and drinks to partner restaurants in Kampala, as well as Nyege masks and T-shirts. There will also be tattoo artists, make-up artists, hairdressers and DJs scattered throughout the city, as well as live broadcasts on national television. The aim is to create a decentralized network of small private parties throughout the city, managed by the inhabitants themselves, so that nobody needs to miss out on this key date in Uganda’s cultural calendar.
By exploring the hybrid possibilities of an event that could work both physically and digitally, the festival reaffirms its creative potential and its support for underground African artists. Since its launch in 2015, the festival has gone from being a small party to becoming the continent’s most adventurous music event, offering two internationally renowned labels, Hakuna Kulala and Nyege Nyege Tapes.
