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Nyege nyege
Come Nyege nyege away
The ‘different colours one people’ lyric of Bob Marley sort of comes to life as people of all colours, ethnicity, genders, nationalities and walks of life dance, laugh, cry, make long term life, love and business partnerships under the sound of a concoction of local, exotic African beats unwinding from the routine work styles and busy schedules that many endure while fending for a living.
This beautiful array of people takes place every September in Jinja town, call it the home of the source of River Nile for 3 fun packed days which are usually a Friday, Saturday and Sunday! The purpose according to Kampala based arts collective is for Musicians in Africa and for those excited to know the continent better although many international acts are annually included onto the list.
What does nyege nyege mean
The statement alone has several meanings in different African indigenous languages but one thing for sure is that the meanings are similar for example, earth quake, shiver, a shaking or strong movement. And no doubt this festival disorganizes the routine in Uganda as right from the month of October, almost every Ugandan has something to say or do about it. Many in support of it especially the young people and music and art lovers while a small section of moralists opposes it
The art
The various skin colours and tones of nyege nyege revelers is an art beautiful enough by itself as it contradicts with the hate crime going on in ordinary communities globe over, mainly related to difference in skin colours and ethnicities.
Music and nyege nyege cannot be separated as the two are the ying and yang of the entire festival. Both upcoming and legendary musicians of all genres show case at more than 7 different set up stages and all with an overflow of attendance. The genres range from afro beats, reggae, world, soul, zouk, contemporary, pop, hip hop, recorded and live. This music sensation takes place from dawn to dusk. The mix includes DJs too.
The props and stages alone are come up by gifted painters and sculptors that come up with unique African vibes with an urban touch so as to appeal to all age groups.
This kind of art is also seen on revelers’ bodies as face and body paintings, body piercings and tattoos. The people also free their creative spirits and this can be seen in the dress-code, mainly characterized by comfort and freedom.
Actually this is a very good chance for people both local and foreign to indulge in Africa’s culture in terms of dress code, hairstyles, food, music and entrepreneurship.
The people
Nyege nyege registers people from the host country Uganda, Kenya, Norway, Sweden, Canada, USA, Jamaica, South Africa German to mention a few. Many plan for the nyege nyege that takes place in September, at the beginning of the year to make sure tickets and accommodation are booked to deter any last minute disappointments.
Friends who are torn apart by boundaries make this an annual date to come from whatever country they reside in, all the way to the source of the Nile to catch up, dance, make merry and perhaps add friends to their numbers.
Business boom
Entrepreneurs and the business world are very alert during the periods before, during and after the nyege nyege festival. This is because the festivals registers thousands of people in the three days and these need to be serviced. They need to have accommodation, eat, drink, have clothes to wear, swim, show their satisfaction by blowing on whistles and vuvuzelas, they need to visit the bathrooms, to mention a few.
Established brands from Uganda, East Africa and from all over the world jump on this annual opportunity to push their brands further as they join by sponsoring the festivals at the various stages.
Although there are five star hotels and other affordable lodging options all over Jinja town, there are adventure lovers who cannot bare going too far from where the magic happens for accommodation and therefore bring in their own tents to. There are also tent sellers and makers ready to have theirs’ hired out by the revelers.
Other festivals to look out for while in Uganda
• Bayimba festival
• Kampala Music Festival
• Milege World Music festival in Entebbe
