Nyege Nyege afro galactic carnival kicked off last Thursday in Jinja and climaxed on Sunday with a lot in stock for the four-day-festival.
The festivities began with the Nyege In City session, where festival-goers flooded the streets of Jinja from morning until 3 PM. The street party was a colorful celebration of the city’s vibrant energy, offering a taste of what was to come at the main festival grounds.
At the Gold Course venue in Jinja where the event is happening, crowds flocked the various stages with Hakuna Kulala attracting the biggest crowd for the celebrations.
The main stage saw a lineup of international talent, adding a global touch to the festival. Colombian singer Olivia kicked things off with her sultry sounds, followed by MC Spyda, the Ugandan rapper, who took the crowd on a high-energy rap journey. Japanese artist Genzan brought a unique blend of styles, while *Cali P* from Switzerland gave fans a taste of his reggae-infused sound. However, it was *Recho Ray* who stole the show with a performance that left the crowd chanting for more.
The night culminated with the much-anticipated performance from Zex Bilangilangi, whose high-octane set had the crowd jumping to his popular hits. His infectious energy and crowd interaction were the perfect closing act for the night, making it one of the most memorable performances of the festival.
Aside from the musical performances, there were plenty of other activities to keep the energy high. Festival-goers participated in volleyball, basketball, and even got a chance to check out some circus performances.
This year’s festival, though a little more compact in its layout, offered an intimate and dynamic experience, drawing festival goers into a whirlwind of activity and music.
As Nyege Nyege Day 2 wrapped up, it was clear that the festival’s unique blend of international acts, local talent, and vibrant cultural activities continues to solidify its place as one of the most exciting and dynamic music festivals in East Africa. With two more days of celebration ahead, attendees are eager to see what the festival has in store next.
Day three was the festival’s highlight with stellar performances coming in from some of Uganda’s top talents including Kenneth Mugabi, Pia Pounds’ electrifying beats, and Elijah Kitaka’s enchanting set captivated the crowd. The night climaxed with Ssuuna Ben’s powerful performance, bringing attendees to their feet in a euphoric celebration of music all on the main stage.
This did not only stop at performers but deejay sets from Kampire, DJ Ssese, and Hibotep kept the beats rolling, creating an atmosphere where the rhythm never stopped.
The festival also highlighted the diversity of African music, with acts spanning reggae, R&B, hip-hop, Afro-pop, and classic oldies. With seven stages, including the Hakuna Kulala and Reggae Stage, it was a platform for both seasoned artists and rising stars to shine.
