Africa’s largest music festival, the Uganda Waragi Nyege Nyege, is back with a thrilling new edition, running from November 14 to 17. This year introduces the Afrogalactic Carnival and an innovative daytime program, Nyege In The City, designed to offer festival-goers an immersive exploration of Jinja City.
The 9th edition promises to deliver a more wholesome, distinctly Ugandan experience. During the day, guests can enjoy activities across Jinja, including guided tours, fine dining, cultural excursions, and water sports on the Nile. The new daytime program ensures attendees can enjoy the city while festival grounds undergo security sweeps from 8 AM to 3 PM daily.
A Collaboration with Jinja City
Festival organizers reaffirmed their partnership with Jinja authorities to foster socio-economic growth by involving local service providers and businesses. “Uganda Waragi is excited to celebrate the best of the Pearl of Africa and the vibrant city of Jinja. This year, we’re showcasing the dynamic festival vibe through our Lemon and Ginger blend, with Coconut and Premium spirits taking center stage at the Uganda Waragi Stage,” said Francis Nyende, Marketing Manager at Uganda Breweries.
Festival Layout and Highlights
The main evening events will take place at Jinja Golf Course, where the grounds have been specially landscaped for an intimate, high-energy festival experience. Returning stages include the crowd-favorite Dark Star Stage, featuring experimental African artists, the Spirit of Uganda Stage, and the reggae stage, headlined by Jamaican star Cali P.
Other key stages include the Hakuna Kulala Stage and the Uganda Waragi Stage, celebrating Uganda’s multiculturalism through music and dance. This edition will also showcase collaborations with regional cultural festivals and dance troupes.
Championing Creativity and Culture
“This year, the festival will highlight its contribution to the creative and cultural sectors by providing a platform for emerging talent,” said Derek Debru, CEO of Uganda Waragi Nyege Nyege. “Through partnerships with various regional groups, we aim to unite festival-goers with Uganda’s cultural diversity.”
Nyege In The City
Partnering with Talent Africa Group, the new daytime experience offers an opportunity to explore Jinja beyond the festival grounds. Aly Alibhai, CEO of Talent Africa Group, commented, “We’re working closely with local businesses to create safe, engaging experiences that give guests a deeper appreciation of Jinja’s charm and Uganda’s culture.”
An Exciting Line-up of Performances
This year’s lineup includes diverse acts from across the globe. Highlights include performances by:
Patrick Atude (Teso megastar)
Batwa Dance Group and Otim Alpha
Festival staples like the Burundi Cultural Drummers
International talents: RMBO (Soweto), Nkisi (DRC), Tash LC, and Dadaman (Baccardi house OG)
Folk artistes: Emmanuele Parennin (France) and Stuurle Garland (Norway)
Ugandan stars such as Zex Bilangilangi, Pia Pounds, Kenneth Mugabi, Recho Ray, and Alidekki Brian will also perform, with DJs like Alesha, Ssese, Melvyn DJ, and Janja keeping the energy high.
Festival-goers can purchase tickets at nyegenyege.com/tickets. With the next edition set for November 24th, music lovers should gear up for unforgettable moments as they celebrate art, culture, and music in style.
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