Some festivals have become household names in the arts and entertainment industry to the extent that their absence is deeply felt whenever they are cancelled or postponed. While some were hit hard by Covid-19, others faced logistical challenges and change in management that caused their disappearance from the scene.
The year 2024 marked the return of major festivals, including the iconic Lake of Stars (LoS), which came back after a four-year break. During the year gone by, the Urban Music People (UMP) also re-emerged on the scene.
LoS took place from September 6 to 8 at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge in Nkhotakota, delivering three days of non-stop entertainment along the shores of Lake Malawi.
As always, LoS brought lively performances and activities, making it a must-attend event. Now under new director Shamilla Elias, the festival featured a main stage for headlining acts and two smaller stages that hosted simultaneous performances, giving attendees the freedom to explore.
Festival-goers, some traveling from outside Malawi, enjoyed performances by local artists like Zeze Kingston, Temwah, and Hazel Mak, alongside South African sensation Sho Madjozi, the main headliner.
The festival wasn’t just about music; it also showcased traditional dances, poetry and spoken word sessions, a fashion runway, panel discussions and conversations about the creative industry.
Food and drink stalls added to the lively atmosphere. The organisers also ensured a clean venue by deploying a team to maintain tidiness throughout the event.
Speaking about the festival, Elias said LoS will continue to be held in Nkhotakota for the coming years, highlighting the district’s tourism potential and its need for infrastructural development following flood damage.
Another major festival that made a comeback in 2024 was the UMP, returning after a seven-year hiatus with its 2024 edition dubbed The Evolution held from October 25 to 28. This time, UMP shifted from its usual urban settings in Lilongwe and Blantyre to the picturesque Cape Maclear in Mangochi. The festival featured a mix of poetry, music, art exhibitions, dance, fashion, and beach sports activities.
Despite challenges such as the nationwide fuel shortage and clashing with the Burning Spear concert in Lilongwe, the UMP Festival still managed to deliver. Headliners included South African Amapiano artist Deep London, Nigerian star Magixx, and local acts like Onesimus, Fada Moti, and Nepman, all of whom gave stellar performances.
Director of the festival, Ken ‘Zizwa’ Limwame acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism for the festival’s future.
“There is room for improvement, but we are happy with the outcome. Next year, we are coming back, and it will be at the same venue,” he said.
Similarly, the Karonga-Chitipa Cultural Festival returned after a one-year break due to logistical challenges. Held at Mbande Hills in Karonga from October 18 to 19, the event featured traditional dances, urban entertainment, local cuisine displays, and a market for locally made products, bringing communities together.
In addition to these returning events, 2024 saw the birth of new arts and cultural festivals. Among them was the Illusionz Beach Festival, which debuted at King Fisher Inn in Mangochi after four months of planning and promotion by the organisers.
The line-up at the festival included top Malawian artists and four South African acts DJ Tira, DJ Maphorisa, Eemoh, and Kabza De Small. However, Kabza De Small’s absence due to unexplained reasons disappointed many fans who were looking forward to his debut performance in Malawi.
The festival also made headlines when two local artists, Malinga and Don Tarz were sent away for arriving late for their scheduled sets. Responding to the controversy, the organisers said that punctuality was key in their organisation and would not tolerate anything below that standard.
The festival’s coordinator Alinane Njolomole said the event is a five-year project and assured fans of its annual return.
When entertainment lovers thought the festival season had wrapped up for the year, Story Club FM emerged with its own event dubbed The Red Carpet.
On Friday, 13 December, Story Club hosted the Red-Carpet Art Gala at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. The event brought together 150 creatives from music, film, and fashion to celebrate their contributions to society and highlight the transformative power of art.
The glamorous evening showcased high-fashion designs, with both designers and attendees donning exquisite, custom-made outfits. The event served as a creative fusion of art and fashion, presenting an opportunity for local designers to display their work on a grand platform.
The Story Club FM Red Carpet added a vibrant finale to 2024’s festival season, leaving art and entertainment lovers anticipating more creativity and inspiration in the coming years.
The Red-Carpet was followed by Entertainers of the Year awards, organised by Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) in its second edition after missing in the limelight for 18 solid years with its major return in 2023. However, the 2024 edition was an assurance statement that the event is here to stay looking at how the organisers managed to address issues that were raised in the debut edition.
If organisers maintain their momentum and learn from past challenges, 2025 could be an even bigger year for festivals and entertainment in Malawi.
