'Immoral' Uganda Music Festival Draws Sold-out Crowds
Umer Jamshaid Published September 18, 2022 | 11:30 AM
Itanda Falls, Uganda, Sept 18 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Sep, 2022 ) :As thousands of revellers grooved to the sounds of Uganda's sold-out Nyege Nyege music festival on the banks of the Nile, relieved organisers said an attempted "immorality" ban had only served to boost sales.
A public outcry forced Ugandan authorities to reverse the ban -- imposed over claims that the four-day extravaganza promoted sex, homosexuality and drug use -- but not before news of the prohibition made international headlines.
Some of the partygoers attending the festival, which brings together artists from across Africa, told AFP they had only heard about the event that ends on Sunday thanks to the ban announced earlier this month.
"I learnt about the festival when the government of Uganda banned it on claims it was promoting immorality", British engineer David Kempson told AFP.
The 31-year-old Londoner had never been to Africa but the news prompted him to book a flight and make his way to Uganda's scenic Itanda Falls, where he joined 12,000 revellers -- including 5,000 foreign tourists.
"It is my first time in Africa. I didn't expect this much, the huge fan presence, the greenery, the waterfalls and hospitality," he said.
It was the second ban slapped on the festival since 2018, when Uganda's former ethics minister Simon Lokodo, an outspoken homophobe, called the event an orgy of homosexuality, nudity and drugs akin to "devil worship".
Then too the ban failed to hold, following a social media outcry.
But this time, the prohibition proved to be an inadvertent publicity bonanza for the festival, organisers said.
"We are headed for a much bigger number (that) we never anticipated," the event's co-founder Arlen Dilsizian told AFP, referring to ticket sales.
The ban "increased vigour and interest in the festival", drawing visitors from the United States, China, Europe and the middle East, he said.
- 'No evidence of orgies' - The festival, which moved to a new, larger outdoor venue this year, began in 2015 but had been on a pandemic-induced hiatus since 2020.
Nyege Nyege means an irresistible urge to dance in the local Luganda language, but it can have a sexual connotation in other languages in the region.
Although Dilzanian insisted that "no evidence of sex orgies have been adduced by anybody making the allegations", the festival was held under tight security, following a government directive against "contraband, narcotic drugs, vulgar language, songs, expressions and gestures".
Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi earlier warned that if there were serious breaches such as "sex orgies and nudity", police would halt the event and clear the site.
Despite the presence of a police van outfitted with sensor cameras and remote-controlled drones, fans were unperturbed, determined to savour the buzz and the chance to see celebrated musicians such as 80-year old Cameroonian Eko Roosevelt.
"When I come for Nyege Nyege, I become free, I meet people from all over Africa and beyond, we laugh and dance, stress goes away," Pamela Nyinabangi, a 27-year-old beauty salon owner from the capital Kampala, told AFP.
Another attendee, Kenyan businessman Isaac Odwor, told AFP the festival was "the only event where African music is given prominence and we get to interact with the musicians and artists." - 'One of a kind' - This year's performance is taking place against the backdrop of an economic crisis as the prices of key commodities from fuel to food rise in the wake of the war in Ukraine.
From street food hawkers to makers of handmade jewelry, many Ugandans hoped the festival would lift their fortunes as tourists thronged the premises, listening to music, taking a dip in the Nile or going white water rafting.
After holding Nyege Nyege's first international edition in Paris earlier this year, organisers plan to take it to Cameroon next year.
"It is one of a kind festival," British visitor Tom Uragallo told AFP.
"You can go for a swim in the Nile in the morning and then dance the night away till the early hours."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
6 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
6 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago