As thousands of revellers danced to the sounds of Uganda's sold-out Nyege Nyege music festival on the banks of the Nile, relievedOrganisers said an attempted "immorality" ban had only served to boost sales
The four-day festival was banned in Uganda due to claims that it promoted sex, homosexuality and drug use.
The festival, which brings together artists from across Africa, is ending on Sunday because of the ban.
David Kempson told Agence France-Presse that he learned about the festival when it was banned by Uganda.
The 31-year-old Londoner, who had never been to Africa, booked a flight and made his way to Uganda's scenic Itanda Falls, where he joined 12,000 revellers.
I've never been to Africa." I didn't think this much of it, the huge fan presence, the greenery, the waterfalls and the hospitable people.
It was the second ban on the festival since it was called an orgy of homosexuality, nudity and drugs by Uganda's former ethics minister.
The ban didn't hold after a social media uproar.
The festival was given a publicity boost by the prohibition.
The event's co- founder Arlen Dilsizian told Agence France-Presse that they were headed for a much bigger number of tickets.
Visitors from the United States, China, Europe and the Middle East came because of the ban.
The festival began in 2015, but had been on a hiatus since 2020.
Nyege Nyege means an irresistible urge to dance in the local Luganda language, but it can also have a sexual meaning in other languages.
Despite Dilzanian's insistence that no evidence of sex orgies have been added to the allegations, the festival was held under tight security.
Chris Baryomunsi warned that police would stop the event and clear the site if there were serious violations.
Fans were unperturbed by the presence of a police van with sensor cameras and remote-controlled drones and were determined to enjoy the buzz and the chance to see celebrated musicians such as 80 year old 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, and I'm a beauty salon owner from the capital Kampala," she said.
The only event where African music is given prominence and we get to interact with the musicians and artists is the festival.
This year's performance is taking place against the backdrop of an economic crisis as the prices of key commodities rise in the wake of the war in Ukraine.
As tourists thronged the premises, listening to music, taking a dip in the Nile or whitewater rafting, many Ugandans hoped the festival would lift their fortunes.
The first international edition of Nyege Nyege was held in Paris earlier this year.
Tom Uragallo said it was one of a kind.
It is possible to go for a swim in the Nile in the morning and then dance the night away.
The car isgm/amu/yad.
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