Nyege Nyege’s 9th Edition Shifts to Source of Nile for Ultimate Experience

Summary:

• The 9th edition of Nyege Nyege festival is moving to the Source of the Nile in Njeru for easier access between stages. It emphasizes inclusivity by showcasing refugee artists. Partnering with Uganda Tourism Board, it promotes Uganda’s cultural diversity. With diverse performances, the festival expects over 50,000 attendees, contributing to Uganda’s economy.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – The eagerly awaited 9th installment of the esteemed Nyege Nyege festival is gearing up to captivate audiences from November 14th-17th at its fresh locale, the Source of the Nile in Njeru. Departing from its previous site in Jinja, this strategic move aims to elevate the festival experience by minimizing the distances attendees must traverse between stages.

During the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) at Speak Resort Munyonyo, festival co-founder Derek Debru elaborated on the venue shift, citing feedback from past editions where the sprawling layout necessitated extensive walking. “This time around, we’ve meticulously crafted the festival grounds to cluster all activities in close proximity, ensuring revelers can savor every moment without enduring lengthy treks,” Debru affirmed.

The upcoming edition pledges an eclectic array of offerings, featuring an aqua park, camping facilities, and a myriad of water-centric attractions, all conveniently centralized. Such arrangement endeavors to foster a more immersive and delightful experience for festival-goers.

Debru underscored the festival’s dedication to inclusivity and cultural representation, recognizing Uganda’s pivotal role in harboring refugees from neighboring nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. “The substantial refugee population in Uganda has brought forth a wealth of talented artists living in exile. It’s imperative that Nyege Nyege provides them with a platform to showcase their art,” he asserted.

The festival’s lineup boasts diversity, spotlighting Sudanese, Congolese, Eritrean, and Burundian artists, championing the notion that refugee status should not hinder participation in society or expression of cultural heritage.

Claire Mugabi, Head of Marketing at the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), unveiled a collaborative effort with Nyege Nyege to spotlight Uganda’s rich cultural tapestry. “Nyege Nyege serves as an unparalleled platform to exhibit our cultural heritage to a global audience,” Mugabi remarked. She emphasized the event’s role in bolstering Uganda’s reputation as a premier cultural destination, boasting 53 tribes and a wealth of traditions.

This year’s edition, powered by Talent Africa, anticipates drawing over 50,000 attendees and injecting upwards of USD 10 million into Uganda’s economy. Carrying the theme “Afrogalactic Carnival,” the festival will seamlessly fuse music with ancestral customs, epitomizing a vibrant celebration of Africa’s cultural and artistic legacy.

As Nyege Nyege continues its ascendancy, its relocation to Njeru signifies a pivotal stride in enhancing accessibility and enjoyment, all while spotlighting Uganda’s cultural richness on the global stage. (Image sourced from the internet)

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