Surviving Nyege Nyege: A first-timer’s wild ride through Uganda’s legendary festival

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dive into a festival where music, mud, and mind-blowing outfits collide, then Nyege Nyege is calling your name.

This four-day music extravaganza on the banks of the Nile River has become an unmissable pilgrimage for festival-goers across Africa and beyond, but survival here takes more than enthusiasm.

As seasoned Nyege Nyege devotees know, you’ll need a survival strategy and, of course, a sense of humor. Nyege Nyege festival slated for the 14th to the 17th of November is returning with a new addition dubbed Afro galactic Carnival. This year’s edition incorporates the new Nyege in the City daytime program, seeking to showcase a variety of experiences within Jinja City.

It’s no secret that the weather at Nyege Nyege has a mind of its own. One minute, you’re basking under the sun by the river; the next, the heavens open, and suddenly, you’re wading through mud.

Veteran attendee Esther Mbabazi, who has braved Nyege Nyege’s unpredictable elements for three years, has one golden rule: “Leave the white shoes at home. Boots are your best friend here. I learned the hard way in 2021!” She emphasizes that a poncho, a waterproof bag, and a sense of adventure are all essential items.

Festival Fashion: Where Glitter Meets the Great Outdoors

For many, Nyege Nyege isn’t just about the music; it’s also a chance to unleash their wildest festival fashion dreams. From neon paint to fairy wings, this is the place where “less is definitely more.” Simon Odongo, a Kampala-based fashion influencer and long-time festival attendee, describes the scene.

“Nyege Nyege is a creative explosion—you’ll see people dressed like they’re from another planet, and that’s the norm. It’s the one place you don’t want to hold back.” He suggests picking up glow sticks and face paint on your way to Jinja, noting that the more color, the better.

One of Nyege Nyege’s enduring quirks is the phenomenon of “losing and finding.” Between bouncing stages, bumping into new friends, and the sheer size of the grounds, losing track of your group is almost a rite of passage. If you’re separated from friends, no worries; just wander and you’ll probably make a few new ones.

According to the festival’s social media manager, Kato Waiswa, “People joke that Nyege Nyege has a spirit of its own that brings lost souls together.” To help, the festival has a dedicated app where you can locate stages, food vendors, and even find “last seen” pins for friends who might have drifted off to another dance floor.

Eat, Dance, repeat: Where to Find Festival Fuel

Between dance sessions and discovering new DJs, you’ll need to refuel. “You’ll find everything from traditional Ugandan rolexes (an egg-stuffed chapati wrap) to vegan options,” explains Agnes Nantume, who runs a popular food stall at the festival. She advises first-timers to stay hydrated and try a taste of local food: “Nothing powers you up for another night like a hot Rolex, trust me!”

But perhaps the most magnetic part of Nyege Nyege is the music itself. With more than 200 acts, festival-goers can enjoy everything from electronic beats to afro-fusion and traditional African drumming. “Nyege Nyege brings the entire continent together through music,” says DJ Kampire, a rising star on Jinja’s electronic scene. “It’s a unique vibe you won’t find anywhere else—the energy is electric, the setting is stunning, and the crowd just makes it unforgettable.”

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Nyege Nyege aficionado, this festival promises a sensory overload like no other. With a lineup of global music, eclectic style, and unexpected friendships, Nyege Nyege is a uniquely Ugandan experience that resonates with everyone who attends. And as seasoned festival-goers will tell you, embracing the mud and madness is all part of the adventure.

So, pack your boots, bring your brightest outfit, and prepare for the unexpected—because, at Nyege Nyege, it’s all about letting go and joining the party.