Nyege Nyege celebrated its 10th anniversary over four days at Kalagala Falls, drawing thousands of music lovers to the banks of the Nile for an electrifying celebration. Each day brought a unique energy, yet the festival as a whole embodied the shared joy and cultural vibrancy of Uganda.
In a dual celebration, Uganda Waragi, marking 60 years, was a cornerstone of the festival, bridging generations of fans. Festival-goers enjoyed the original Premium Uganda Waragi, while newcomers sampled the Lemon and Ginger variant, perfectly paired with classic rolex and grilled meat combos offered at food stations across the grounds.
Hilda Aguti, Marketing Manager of Mainstream Spirits at Uganda Breweries, shared her excitement:
"For 60 years as Uganda Waragi and 10 years as Nyege Nyege, we have been bringing people together to celebrate our culture, our music, and our distinct flavor. It’s a pleasure to be here today toasting to the past, present, and future of all things truly Ugandan."
The music lineup showcased a mix of tradition and innovation. On Day 3, the Main Stage featured new-school acts like Tai Dai and DJ Bugy alongside the veteran Silverback DJs.
Joshua Baraka thrilled the crowd on the Main Stage, later surprising fans as his DJ alter ego, Carlos Lopez, at the Ubuntu Stage, already pulsing with Zonke Africa’s mix masters. The sandy floor in the Hakuna Kulala area lived up to its name, giving revellers a playful, immersive experience.
As night deepened, Otim Alpha blended EDM with traditional Luo beats from Northern Uganda, setting the stage for the headline act: global icon Skrillex, who led the audience on a high-energy journey of lights and bass.
In true Ugandan spirit, anticipation shifted to a local legend towards the early hours. Around 5 a.m., Suuna Ben delivered an EDM-infused take on his signature kinyanyanyanya sound, electrifying fans with branches raised high in celebration.
Amid the euphoria, Uganda Breweries maintained a strong focus on safety and hydration, creating a dedicated fun zone offering free water, trivia, board games, and karaoke to keep festival-goers energized.
As the other stages wound down with the morning light, the Sunrise Stage, paired with the rushing waters of the Nile, offered guests a moment of reflection, grounding them in the beauty of the surroundings. In those quiet moments, it became clear: the Spirit of Uganda had been shared, celebrated, and deeply felt.
