Nyege Nyege opened Day One of its tenth anniversary with a vibrant debut at Kalagala Falls, the festival’s first time at this breathtaking venue, launching the four day celebration in a swirl of colour, music and cultural energy.
The gates swung open on Thursday to a gentle trickle of early arrivals, a calm beginning that soon gave way to the familiar pulse of Nyege Nyege as afternoon slipped into evening. Security was impossible to miss. Personnel from every arm of the forces from Counter Terrorism units to military detachments moved quietly through the crowds, creating a firm but reassuring presence both inside and outside the venue. Red Cross teams added another layer of safety, their tents and ambulances standing ready as revellers poured in.
Inside the festival grounds, the experience unfolded like a living mosaic. Each stage carried its own universe. Hakuna Kulala throbbed with underground electronic heat. The Portal lit up with futuristic soundscapes. Dark Star pulled in lovers of bass and experimental beats. Sunrise offered warm, high energy sets, while Ubuntu gathered crowds looking for something more communal and soulful. Everywhere you turned, music collided with dance, fashion and art in a way only Nyege Nyege knows how to deliver.
For those seeking something quieter, the Matatu Film Stage became a secret gem. Its silent cinema screenings added a creative surprise to the festival’s sensory overload, giving guests a chance to slip into stories beneath the stars.
Across the riverbank, the River Club Restaurant transformed into a celebration of Uganda’s emerging talent. The “Yo Voice Be Hard” initiative, funded by the European Union, took centre stage as young musicians, dancers and performers showcased the results of a year long mentorship programme designed to sharpen their craft and open doors to professional platforms.
EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Jan Sadek, joined the showcase and applauded the project’s impact, calling it a powerful example of how creativity can unlock opportunities for young people. His words echoed through a room filled with rising stars who have spent the past year refining their voices, rhythms and artistic identities.
As night descended on Kalagala Falls, the roar of the Nile blended with the sound of cheering crowds, glowing lights and restless beats. Ten years on, Nyege Nyege remains a phenomenon, a place where cultures collide, talent blooms and every corner feels alive with possibility.
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