Organisers of the Likoma Island Festival have said the 2026 edition of the festival will focus on promoting Malawian talent as part of efforts to promote local artists as well as showcasing cultural tourism.
The festival, scheduled for October 15 to 18 2026 on Likoma Island, will feature musicians, dancers and cultural performers from Likoma, Chizumulu Islands and other parts of the country.
In a statement, the organisers said they have already completed the first phase of traditional dance competitions across Likoma and Chizumulu Islands, as part of efforts to preserve local heritage.
“Chizumulu Island has successfully undergone the first phase, awaiting final selection in August. The traditional dance troupes are prepared to provide the best experience to people that will come for the festival in October,” reads part of the statement.
According to the communication, the events were sponsored by member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, Charles Chilambula and The Copyright Fund.
In an interview, Likoma Island Festival executive director, Patrick Chikoti, said the decision follows feedback received after the festival suspended discussions with a South African artist noting that there is a growing appreciation among Malawians for local talent.
“We realised that Malawians are becoming more appreciative of their local talents. But at the same time our resolve also goes with why we exist as a tourism festival. We have to export our talents and provide them with a platform to shine,” he said.
Previous editions of the festival have featured international acts, including a Zambian artist and a Tanzanian artist who performed during a pre-event held in Mangochi in partnership with Smooth Touch Promotions.
Chikoti said they had also been in discussions with international artists for this year’s edition before deciding to focus on Malawian talent.
He said the festival aims at providing opportunities for local artists through exposure while giving performers from Likoma and Chizumulu Islands a chance to showcase their work on a bigger platform.
“We want to position local talent as supreme and ensure that attendees enjoy an authentic cultural experience,” he said.
Local acts expected to perform include Ndunda Vocals, Giddie Kay, Zabweka, Nyapondo and Likoma Islanders Band, among others.
Apart from music performances, this year’s festival will include cultural activities such as traditional dances, a parade, sightseeing, a tourism expo and local food experiences.
In addition, Chikoti said they want the festival to promote environmental responsibility by encouraging a clean and plastic-free environment on the islands.
“Our festival starts with peoples travel from home all the way to Likoma Islands through water and air transportation. We will ensure our Islands become an example of what it should be like to have a clean and thin plastic-free environment for all to learn from,” he said.
