Nyege Nyege Festival Returns to Jinja in 2023

On October 15, 2015, the first-ever Nyege Nyege Festival unfolded in Njeru at the Nile Discovery Resort. Extending over three days, the event encountered a subdued turnout and faced the challenging absence of sponsors. Adding to the atmosphere, a persistent rainfall graced the entirety of the festival. In 2020, amidst the relentless grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, which prompted widespread adoption of social distancing measures and crowd-deterrent protocols worldwide, the festival defiantly pressed on. Undeterred by the prevailing gloom, the festival, now in its eighth year, assertively adhered to its strong, uncompromising stance. Adapting to the circumstances, it pivoted to a mostly online format, offering an entirely free edition. Forward to 2023 and the festival is unarguably one of the most important calendar events of the global cultural year.

This year, the 4-day Nyege Nyege Festival, which marks the 8th anniversary of Nyege Nyege-ing, will be held across 7 stages on 3 sites along the Nile River; The Jinja Golf Course, Source of the Nile, and the Jinja Showground. The 2023 event returns to Jinja after last year’s festival in Itanda Falls was marred by logistical issues for both organizers and attendees. The 2023 party kicked off on Thursday, November 9th, and will continue till Sunday, 12th November.

4 days of the best traditional and contemporary African music will be showcased to music fans from all over the world. In addition to party animals and adventure seekers, the 2023 festival also holds promise for new music lovers, breakthrough artist supporters, and blossoming talent finders.

Travel Warnings

Days before the 2023 festival began, the UK and US governments issued travel warnings against attending the event citing terror threats. “There is a growing terror threat in Uganda, including the targeting of foreigners. Avoid large gatherings, including large scale worship, and music and cultural festivals in Uganda,” the statement from the UK embassy warned. “The U.S. Embassy is directing its staff to not attend the Nyege Nyege festival in Jinja from November 9-12, 2023. Due to security concerns, we advise U.S. citizens not to attend the festival.“ read the US Embassy Security Alert posted on a US Gov website. Later, the Irish government issued an advisory also directing its staff not to attend the festival.

In a statement to media, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni reassured attendees and said “Within Uganda, the security forces are guarding the pre-prepared public functions…”. Initial observations from event participants indicate that security is robust at the venue. Identifiable Ugandan police officers are diligently conducting checks at every entrance and performing foot patrols throughout the venue.

Nyege Nyege Festival 2023 Poster — In addition to party animals and adventure seekers, the 2023 Festival also holds promise for new music lovers, breakthrough artist supporters and blossoming talent finders.

Line-up and Music

The 2023 festival continues the tradition set in the previous 7 editions of Nyege Nyege where the focus is on showcasing the full diversity of contemporary and traditional African music with artists from all over the continent taking over several stages throughout the four-day event. The organizers have revealed that the 2023 festival will include some of East Africa’s most exciting acts as well as artists from Nigeria, South Africa, and Brazil. South African Amapiano, Afrobeats, Gengetone, Singeli, Soukous, and many other genres.

A poster of South African artist Sho Madjozi who is among the artists performing at the 2023 Nyege Nyege Festival. Sho first performed at Nyege Nyege in 2018. This is her second time on the line up. | Image: Nyege Nyege — South African artist Sho Madjozi is among the artists performing at the 2023 Nyege Nyege Festival. Sho first performed at Nyege Nyege in 2018. This is her second time on the line up. | Image: Nyege Nyege

Here are all the artists performing at the 2023 Nyege Nyege Festival:

Tickets

Tickets for the 2023 Nyege Nyege festival went on sale in August with Die hard tickets on sale until 31st August. Those cost 120K Ugandan Shillings and 5K Kenyan Shillings.

Nyege Nyege Festival 2023 Ticket Prices. | Image: WAKILISHA

Last updated on: 11th November 2023

Muiruri Beautah

Muiruri Beautah is a Head Writer at WAKILISHA and an Art Director at Tessera Communications. He has created award winning work for brands such as Unilever, Diageo, SafeBoda and Safaricom Plc. He lives in Nairobi and in the hearts of children around the world.