
Arsenal Mikebe is a boundary-pushing Ugandan percussion ensemble from the outskirts of Kampala and part of the Nyege Nyege collective. Formed by master drummers Ssentongo Moses, Dratele Epiphany, and Luyambi Vicent de Paul, they transform traditional rhythms into raw, hypnotic acoustic soundscapes with the intensity of electronic music. At the core of their sound is a custom steel percussion instrument designed by sculptor Henry Segamwenge and inspired by the Roland TR-808 — a metallic “living drum machine” played with striking physical force. Their debut album Drum Machine (Nyege Nyege Tapes, 2024), produced by Jonathan Uliel Saldanha, alongside major international festival appearances, has cemented their reputation as one of Uganda’s most electrifying live acts. Arsenal Mikebe’s sets are more than performances — they are rhythmic ceremonies that dissolve the boundaries between the organic and the electronic, guiding audiences into a collective trance. For this concert ARSENAL has expanded their sonic artillery with extra pressure and Dub, featuring the ensemble's collaborator HHY aka Jonathan Uliel Saldanha joining the core trio on stage. While the percussion powerhouse typically performs as a three-piece ensemble, these special live appearances reveal the full vision of the project with HHY's production spectrum integrated into the live setting.