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Is it true that Skrillex is coming to Uganda?
Grammy-winning electronic dance music (EDM) titan Skrillex has been confirmed as the headline act for the 10th anniversary edition of Nyege Nyege Festival. Slated for November 20–23, 2025, at the breathtaking Kalagala Falls along the Nile River, this year’s theme—”Ekigunda Ky’Omuliro” (The Gathering of the Flame)—promises an explosive fusion of global beats, local rhythms, and cultural immersion. As Uganda’s premier electronic music and arts extravaganza returns to its roots on the Nile, Skrillex’s debut performance on African soil marks a historic milestone, drawing international eyes to a festival that’s evolved from a grassroots gathering into a multimillion-dollar economic powerhouse.
But, who is Skrillex?
This paragraph is for people who don’t listen to good music! Hahaha okay! Sonny John Moore, better known by his stage moniker Skrillex, is no stranger to redefining boundaries in electronic music. Born on January 15, 1988, and adopted at birth by family friends of his biological parents, Moore grew up in a whirlwind of relocations across California. From the punk-infused streets of Northeast Los Angeles to the eclectic vibes of San Francisco’s Forest Hill neighborhood, his early years were marked by a turbulent education—spanning boarding schools, homeschooling, and eventual dropout at age 16 after discovering his adoption. Raised in a Scientologist household, Moore found solace in the underground scenes of East LA punk shows and Silver Lake raves, honing a rebellious spirit that would fuel his ascent.
Moore’s foray into music began in 2004 as the lead vocalist of post-hardcore outfit From First to Last. The band quickly gained traction, releasing their Epitaph Records debut Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Bodycount (2004) and sophomore effort Heroine (2006), while touring relentlessly on circuits like the Vans Warped Tour. Vocal strain forced his departure in 2007, leading to throat surgery and a pivot to solo electronica. Adopting the playful alias “Skrillex”—a nod to an old AOL screen name—he uploaded demos to MySpace, blending dubstep, electro-house, and experimental sounds. His first solo gig in April 2007 featured an unlikely harpist collaborator, Carol Robbins, signaling his genre-defying ethos.
The breakthrough came in 2010 with the free EP My Name Is Skrillex, followed by the chart-topping Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites EP, which catapulted him into the EDM spotlight. By 2012, Skrillex had swept the Grammys, clinching three awards—including Best Dance Recording for “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”—and a Best New Artist nod, edging out Adele in a controversial upset. His debut album Recess (2014) hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200, while collaborations flourished: Jack Ü with Diplo (yielding the Bieber-featuring smash “Where Are Ü Now,” another Grammy winner), Dog Blood with Boys Noize, and production for Incubus’s 8 (2017).
Skrillex’s discography deepened with the surprise double-drop of Quest for Fire and Don’t Get Too Close in February 2023, the former boasting guests like Fred Again.. and Flowdan, the latter tapping Justin Bieber and Chief Keef. In 2025, he stunned fans with the cheekily titled fourth album Fuck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol but Ur Not!! <3, a raw exploration of his influences. With nine Grammys—the most for any EDM artist—plus accolades from MTV and BBC, Skrillex has shaped modern bass music through his Owsla label (founded 2011) and remixes for icons like Missy Elliott (“RATATA,” 2023) and Hikaru Utada. Now 37, he’s as innovative as ever, teasing “heavier than the Nile” drops for Nyege Nyege that could redefine festival anthems.
Nyege Nyege: From Jinja’s Riverside Roots to a Continental Phenomenon
Launched in 2013 as a modest electronic music event in Kampala by a collective of Ugandan creatives including Derek Debru and Babu (of Nyege Nyege Tapes label fame), the festival quickly outgrew its urban confines. By 2015, it had relocated to Jinja, Uganda’s industrial hub at the Source of the Nile, transforming the city’s sleepy riverbanks into a pulsating epicenter of sound and subversion. “Nyege nyege”—Luganda slang for uncontrollable lust or wild abandon—captured the event’s unapologetic spirit: a four-day odyssey of electronica, Afro-futurism, and performance art that challenged conservative norms in a country where homosexuality remains criminalized.
For nearly a decade, Jinja served as Nyege Nyege’s spiritual home. Early editions unfolded along the Nile’s misty edges, with stages erected amid lush greenery and attendees camping under starlit skies. The 2017 festival drew 5,000 revelers; by 2019, it ballooned to 15,000, blending international acts like South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa with Ugandan trailblazers such as Hibiscus. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a 2020 hiatus, but the 2021 return at Jinja’s Nile Resort—despite government threats of shutdown over “immoral” vibes—cemented its resilience. In 2022, organizers shifted to Itanda Falls for a more immersive riverside setup, followed by Jinja Golf Course and the Source of the Nile in 2023 and 2024, accommodating up to 20,000 attendees amid upgraded production.
Yet, evolution beckons. For its landmark 10th edition, Nyege Nyege bids farewell to Jinja’s familiar shores, relocating 20 minutes upstream to Kalagala Falls at the Adrift Overland Camp—a “sacred and stunning” Nile perch revered in local lore for its thundering cascades and adventure sports like white-water rafting. This move, announced in July 2025, addresses logistical strains from Jinja’s urban sprawl while amplifying the festival’s wild, elemental theme. “After years of roaming riverbanks, Nyege Nyege settles at Kalagala,” organizers stated, promising enhanced eco-friendly infrastructure, including glamping options and shuttle services from Kampala (a 90-minute drive). The change isn’t without nostalgia—Jinja locals lament the economic ripple effects on their hotels and vendors—but it positions the event as a bolder portal to Uganda’s natural wonders.
What to expect? A sensory overload across six stages, featuring over 300 artists spanning electronic, hip-hop, amapiano, and traditional Ugandan rhythms. Immersive zones for fashion, food (think Nile perch braais and street eats), wellness workshops, and fire-lit rituals will weave culture into the chaos. Attendees—expect 25,000 strong—can raft the falls by day and dance till dawn, with safety protocols tightened post-past controversies.
A Star-Studded Lineup: Local Legends and Global Heavyweights
Skrillex tops the bill, joined by UK grime don Flowdan for a co-headline set that’s already buzzing on social media. The initial roster spotlights East African firepower: Uganda’s own Kampire, the Berlin-based DJ blending Afrobeats and techno; Tanzanian selector DJ Travella; Senegalese house maestro DJ Diaki; and Congolese rapper Arsenal Mikebe. More names are slated for reveal, but whispers suggest Ugandan staples like Fik Fameica, Vinka, and Sheebah alongside internationals such as Ethiopia’s DJ Belal and South Africa’s Nubian Twist. From Uganda, expect rising stars from the Nyege Nyege Tapes roster—acts like MC Yallah and Debmaster—who embody the festival’s DIY ethos. Internationally, the lineup underscores Nyege Nyege’s role as a bridge, luring scenesters from Europe and the US to Africa’s beating heart.
Social media is ablaze with hype: “Uganda, are you ready? @skrillex is about to tear up NYEGE NYEGE with mad energy,” one Instagram reel proclaims, while X users like @Queenlaakeli joke, “There go my savings.” Another post from @talentafrica declares it “history in the making,” with early bird tickets vanishing fast.
Tickets: Securing Your Portal to the Flame
Entry to this flame-fueled frenzy won’t break the bank, but act fast—early birds are evaporating. For East African citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania), pre-sale tickets start at UGX 120,000 (~$32 USD) via MOOKH, escalating to UGX 200,000 for standard access and UGX 250,000 at the gate. International passes hover at $50–$100 USD for the full four days, with VIP upgrades (~$150+) offering priority entry and riverside lounges. Camping add-ons range from $20–$40 per night, gear optional. Snag yours at nyegenyege.com for global buyers or mookh.com for regional—shuttles and packages bundle transport from Entebbe Airport.
The Unstoppable Force: Profitability Trumps Politics
Nyege Nyege’s ascent hasn’t been without drama. Conservative critics, including religious leaders and politicians, have decried its “promiscuous” aura, with 2023 threats of cancellation over perceived LGBTQ+ undertones nearly derailing the event. Yet, the government’s stance flipped faster than a bass drop: a July 2025 report revealed the 2024 edition injected UGX 6.62 billion (~$1.8–2 million USD) into Uganda’s economy through attendee spending on lodging, transport, tickets, and crafts. This windfall—up 20% from 2023—bolstered tourism, with Jinja’s hotels at 95% occupancy and local vendors reporting triple-digit sales spikes. “Money over morality,” quipped one analyst, as officials now tout it as a “safe” cultural export, generating jobs and forex in a post-pandemic recovery.
From a $100,000 startup budget in 2015 to a $2 million juggernaut, Nyege Nyege exemplifies how African festivals can drive sustainable growth. As Kalagala Falls prepares to roar, Skrillex’s arrival isn’t just a gig—it’s a testament to Uganda’s unyielding creative flame, burning brighter than ever. The portal reopens soon; will you step through?
