The ban of the 7th edition of the Nyege Nyege festival which was set to happen in Jinja, Uganda has been lifted.
On Monday, Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi said the September 15-18 festival could go ahead, but would be ordered to shut down if there were breaches of Uganda’s laws or its culture and norms.
“Finally we are back, with so many fresh acts to present and a growing fan base in East Africa ready to unleash the Nyege Nyege, by pushing toward a more environmentally friendly festival and always more inclusivity, with the new site we feel it opens a new exciting chapter in our story,” the organisers said in a statement.
Speaker of the house Anita Among before the lifting raised concerns that the festival promoted immorality and homosexuality to children therefore inappropriate.
Uganda’s tourism minister disapproved of the ban stating that it would have a grave implication on the tourism sector as 8,000 foreign tourists had already bought tickets.
The festival which happens annually focuses on electronic music scenes across Africa as well as sounds from the global diaspora and others.
Over 300 artists are scheduled to perform across seven stages during the event including Kenya’s Benzema David aka Alejandro, Kabeausché, Boutross and Ssaru.
International artistes expected at the event include DJ Marcelle, Juliana Huxtable and DJ Paypal. Several acts will make the trip from Europe and the US, including Juliana Huxtable, DJ Paypal, DJ Marcelle, Zoë Mc Pherson and Low Jack.
Kampire, MC Yallah, Otim Alpha, Phatstoki and DJ Travella are also among artists scheduled to perform.
The event will be the first in two years since the Covid-19 pandemic.