For nine years, Nyege Nyege has been shaking things up in the music festival world. Held on the stunning shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, it draws an impressive crowd of 50,000 music lovers from all over the globe. But this isn’t your typical festival—it’s a vibrant explosion of African sounds fused with experimental electronic beats from around the world.

Co-founder Derek Debru sums it up perfectly: “Nyege nyege is that feeling when you hear music and can’t help but dance. It’s this irresistible urge to let loose.” That spirit of uninhibited joy is what the festival is all about.

The journey to creating Nyege Nyege started back in 2011 when Debru, who’s of Belgo-Burundian heritage, moved to Uganda to teach at a film school. Immersed in Kampala’s budding hip-hop scene, he and co-founder Arlen Dilsizian began hosting African cinema nights that organically morphed into parties, jam sessions, and creative collaborations. From those humble beginnings, Nyege Nyege was born.

Now dubbed an “Afrogalactic” festival, Nyege Nyege has evolved into a movement celebrating music and art on the fringes of the African mainstream. From Togolese rap to South African gqom, Tanzanian singeli, and Kenyan gengetone, the lineup bridges diverse local sounds with global influences. It’s a space where underrepresented artists find a platform, and cross-cultural inspiration flows freely.

But Nyege Nyege is more than just music. Think film screenings, live welding performances, traditional wrestling matches, and festival goers decked out in everything from traditional attire to avant-garde costumes. It’s a kaleidoscope of African culture, pushing boundaries and challenging norms.

Such boundary-pushing doesn’t come without challenges. In the lead-up to this year’s festival (November 15–18), criticism surfaced, with some local religious groups labeling the event “ungodly.” Debru and his team handled it with grace, responding, “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom… and we hope that includes the freedom to dance!”

Despite the controversies, Nyege Nyege has become a symbol of freedom, self-expression, and inclusivity. It’s not just a festival; it’s a statement—a celebration of the right to be different in a world where conformity often rules.

As the team gears up for the festival’s tenth anniversary, Debru reflects on the challenges and successes. “The last edition was incredible, but there’s so much room to grow. We’re still figuring out the economics, but it’s clear that Nyege Nyege has become a platform for important conversations about culture, morality, and identity.”

If this year was any indication, the festival’s future is bright. Nyege Nyege is redefining what it means to celebrate African music and culture, proving that dance and creativity are universal languages