In a groundbreaking event for Uganda’s cultural landscape, the Nakibembe Embaire Group is poised to open this year’s Venice Biennale, showcasing one of the country’s most vibrant musical traditions on a global stage.
This performance promises to put Uganda’s rich cultural heritage in the spotlight, alongside an exhibition by critically acclaimed artist Michael Armitage, known for his powerful engagement with East African histories and contemporary realities.
A Prestigious Platform for Cultural Expression
Established in 1895, the Venice Biennale is heralded as the most influential recurring event in the global art scene. Typically, the honour of opening the Biennale is conferred upon some of the world’s most significant contemporary cultural voices.
Thus, the Nakibembe Embaire Group’s role as the opening act represents a remarkable shift in visibility for traditional ensembles from rural Uganda, showcasing their cultural significance and global relevance.
A Living Tradition: The Embaire Experience
Originating from Busoga, the Nakibembe Embaire Group is the custodian of the Embaire, a large wooden xylophone that captivates audiences with its intricate polyrhythms.
Each performance features multiple musicians simultaneously creating a rich tapestry of sound, deeply embedded in communal life, ceremonies, and storytelling.
At the Venice Biennale, this unique musical form will enter into dialogue with contemporary art, reflecting its evolution as a living, dynamic tradition that resonates powerfully in today’s cultural discourse.
From Uganda’s Heart to the Global Stage
The Nakibembe Embaire Group’s participation in the Biennale symbolises a significant moment in the global appreciation of African cultures.
This shift away from the traditional categorisation of African practices highlights their conceptual depth and sonic innovation, marking a new era in which these art forms are recognised as vital contributors to contemporary artistic conversations.
The past decade has seen the emergence of platforms like Nyege Nyege, which has been instrumental in amplifying Ugandan artists on the international stage.
By supporting diverse talents, from experimental electronic producers to traditional ensembles like Nakibembe, Nyege Nyege has crafted pathways for authentic cultural expressions to thrive in new contexts without losing their essence.
A Momentous Occasion for Uganda
For Uganda, this performance holds profound significance beyond mere international recognition. It represents a paradigm shift in cultural narratives, positioning African artistic expressions at the centre of global dialogues.
As the Venice Biennale expands its scope beyond its Eurocentric roots, the inclusion of the Nakibembe Embaire Group underscores the crucial truth: the future of contemporary art is deeply intertwined with the richness of cultures across the globe.
Performance Details
- Venue: Palazzo Grassi – Punta della Dogana, Venice, Italy
- Show Dates: May 7, 2026, at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM
- Context: Part of the cultural events surrounding the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia
More About the Nakibembe Xylophone Troupe
The Nakibembe Xylophone Troupe brings the enchanting embaire to life, played by six talented musicians who create joyful, hypnotic music that transcends borders.
Their performance can adapt to diverse settings, whether on stage or in a traditional village setup, enhancing the instrument’s natural resonance.
With a growing international reputation, they have graced festivals including WOMEX, CTM Festival, and Roskilde Festival.
Their upcoming album, Phantom Keys, launching on Nyege Nyege Tapes on October 20, 2025, promises to blend Uganda’s mesmerising polyrhythms with experimental dub techniques in collaboration with Japanese dub innovator Naoyuki Uchida.
The Nakibembe Embaire Group is confirmed for a European tour in spring/summer 2026, alongside their return to the Nyege Nyege Festival and a full tour in Japan later that year.
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