Along the banks of a serene portion of the iconic, life-giving Nile River, music lovers lounge, float and dance to buoyant beats from the musical extravaganza known as MTN Nyege Nyege Festival. Bursting with African and international talent from over 30 countries across four stages, this year's lineup (which already regularly lands it on lists naming the best fests in Africa year after year) is set to take the festival to the next level.

There are plenty of surprises in store. The 2018 lineup features acts from all over the African continent, with a special focus on South Africa and Tanzania. The South African artist roster is headed by Afrohouse MC Sho Madjozi, Rude Boyz, Dominowe and Phatstoki and underground sgubhu producer Sleeping Buddah. The Tanzanian roster will feature the cream of Dar Es Salaam Singeli scene, including the “Godmother of Singeli” Rehema Tahiri, as well as rhythm-heavy Jagwa Music troupe and Gogo multi instrumentalist Msafiri Zawose. Tuareg wedding band Etran de l’Air will leave Niger for the first time to perform at MTN Nyege Nyege. Kenya will be represented by L’Orchestre Les Mangelepa, considered the paradigm of Kenyan Lingala's golden era. 

These names will be complemented by a host of exciting new DJs and producers from Nairobi including Shrap artists AD Family, DJ Raph, DJ Coco em, and new female rap sensation Monski. Uganda will showcase the best of its traditional musical heritage with musicians from over 15 tribal traditions, and a host of the most exciting producers and DJs from around the country including Electro Kadodi producers from Mbale, Electro Acholi DJs from Gulu and a who’s-who of Kampala’s electronic music scene. MTN Nyege Nyege will also feature a number of specially commissioned performances in preparation a month prior to the festival that will premier at this year's edition.

Nyege Nyege will not only double the size of its festival grounds, it will also offer a new riverside camping area and add two new stages – Dark Star and Spirit of Uganda – which will feature a world class line up of electronic music DJs and the best of traditional troupes in an idyllic acoustic setting, respectively. The riverside grounds will also be transformed by awe-inspiring art installations by some of East Africa's best visual artists.

MTN Nyege Nyege Festival takes place September 6-9, 2018, in Jinja, Uganda. Early Bird Tickets are already on sale. Grab them here while you can.