Three hosted so far and many more to come. That is the beauty of summer season which ushers in a rich menu of cultural and entertainment festivals.
The Umhlangano wa Maseko Ngoni, Umthetho Cultural Festival and Khulubvi Festivals have already taken place, but events such as the UMP Festival, Mulhako wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival, Ngumano wa Asena, Blantyre Arts Festival, Gonapamuhanya, Lake of Stars and Mdauko wa Atonga are still on the cards.
The popular Sand Music Festival was expected to take place from September 26 to September 28, but for the second year-running, the event has failed to happen despite earlier assurances from the organisers Impakt Events Management.
Last year, the festival failed to take place due to the death of the founder and chairperson of Impakt Events Management, ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda. This year, the organisers announced they will dedicate the event in honour of Soldier, but the dates of the event passed without any communication from the organisers.
Also missing on the lineup this year is the Illusionz Beach Festival, which has been postponed until next year due to forex challenges and the September 16 General Election, according to a statement from the organisers.
“The Illusionz Beach Festival, originally set for October 3 to October 5, has been postponed due to national elections and the ongoing forex challenges. A new date will be announced. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your continued support and understanding,” reads the statement.
But fun-seekers should look forward to the UMP Festival, slated for October 21 to October 27 in Cape Maclear, Mangochi. The organisers said this year’s festival will be a celebration of talent, culture and creativity that will showcase Malawi’s best in music, fashion and lifestyle.
The five-day festival is expected to be a cocktail of events with UMP Music Awards, UMP Media Awards, creative symposium, film screenings, fashion and model contests on the menu.
“This is more than a festival. We are looking at community empowerment, learning and solution oriented discussions for creatives and enhancing collaborations,” said the symposium coordinator Godfrey Malongo.
The Lake of Stars is set to take place October from 17 to October 19 at Fish Eagle Bay in Nkhotakota.
On its part, the organisers, Dope Malawi, say the festival will continue its legacy of creativity, culture and community, building on the remarkable impact and achievements that have defined its journey over the past two decades.
Dope Malawi executive director Sharmila Elias-Taijala said: “The festival has made a tangible difference in Nkhotakota by boosting the hospitality industry, driving development and uplifting the local community. We feel compelled to return, not only to build on our vision but also to celebrate the progress we have made.”
The Mulhako wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival will take place on October 19 at its traditional venue at Chonde in Mulanje District.
Mulhako was Alhomwe chief executive officer Pius Mvenya said this year’s event will be a double celebration after the group’s patron Arthur Peter Mutharika was elected Malawi’s seventh President in the September 16 General Election.
“The patron of Mulhako wa Alhomwe has just been elected president. It’s a reason to dance soopa, malaphi, mganda and enjoy a variety of our traditional foods,” he said.
