Each year, deep in the serene beauty of Lunkulu Island, a unique gathering takes place. One that blends rhythm, tradition, and global unity. It’s called Ethno Uganda, a vibrant music camp that is quietly building bridges between cultures and generations through the universal language of music.
Ethno Uganda is part of Ethno World, a global program founded in 1990 and now active in over 40 countries across six continents. Designed for young musicians aged 18 to 30, Ethno brings together talented artists from all walks of life to learn, share, and collaborate on traditional and folk music from their homelands.
Organised by Bayimba Foundation in partnership with Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI), Ethno Uganda has been running for four consecutive years, attracting participants from countries like Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, Comoros, Zimbabwe, India, and the United States. This year’s program is set to run from August 14th to 24th at Lunkulu Island.
What sets Ethno Uganda apart is its peer-to-peer learning model. Rather than formal instruction, participants teach one another, learning songs, techniques, and stories from different cultures. Through this shared experience, they not only broaden their musical horizons but also cultivate empathy, understanding, and deep friendships that transcend borders.
“Ethno is not just a camp, it’s a community,” says one participant. “You come with your sound, your history, and your identity. You leave with a piece of the world in your heart.”
The camp includes daily workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals, and performances, all aimed at encouraging musical exploration and cultural exchange. Musicians also get a chance to learn about indigenous instruments and the local music scene in Uganda, while accessing information about Ethno mobility grants and global opportunities.
The collaborative music created at the camp is recorded in a mobile studio set up on the island. Within a month, participants receive the recordings, a professional tool to support their artistic careers and share their unique Ethno experience with the world.
The broader goal of Ethno is to inspire and equip young artists to grow, not just as musicians but as ambassadors of peace and cultural heritage.
