Life in the US can be brutally draining, especially for immigrants balancing work, bills, survival and responsibilities back home.
But on Saturday, May 23 2026, the Malawian community in Washington State pressed pause and convened at a public park near Sammamish Lake to welcome summer.
“We do this every year. But this time we celebrate that the Malawi Washington [Mawa] is now a registered non-profit organisation,” stated Mphatso Namwali, who has lived in the US for over 20 years.
The former Malawi National Football Team star chairs the association, registered in February this year.
Several groups were also picnicking at the park, but the Malawian gathering soon became a crowd-puller. It had the sound, taste and rhythm of Malawi.
The get-together was complete with all that music, dancing, jokes, storytelling and home-style food such as nsima and rice with fish, therere and mang’ina. Obviously, guests had plenty to choose from. The eating was proudly home style too, with bare hands. Children from nearby gatherings drifted closer, watching as if they had discovered a live cultural festival.
“This is really great. It feels like home. I feel happy to be part of this community,” said Nhlezipe Waluza, who prepared a large part of the meal and sold Malawian products such as kambuzi pepper and zitumbuwa (banana fritters).
She is well-known in the Malawian diaspora community for selling chambo, matemba and Sobo orange squash from Malawi.
“The association’s leadership asked me to prepare the food. I could not say no, but to do it for my community. I love cooking our food,” added Waluza.
From noon to 9pm, everyone in attendance had enough food and drinks, with some people carrying a plateful or two home.
That, too, felt typically Malawian, because food is only truly enough when something remains after everyone has eaten.
“This is nice. We live in the same community, but rarely meet. I had to take some time off [work] for this. It helps to charge the social battery,” joked Steven Kaphamtengo, roasting some chicken.
While some groups in the park kept their music low and conversed in low tones, the Malawian corner was alive with loud music, uncensored stories, infectious laughter and shared experiences about life in the US and memories from home.
The party makers mixed longtime residents with new arrivals still finding their way in America.
“This is the whole essence of this gathering—sharing experiences. As an association, we have a plan to run projects that can support our community with opportunities for work, business and education,” added Namwali.
The lakeside venue constituted a fitting reminder of Lake Malawi.
The crowd of about 100 sang along in wonderfully uncoordinated tunes, a common Malawian joyous moment where joy is louder than perfection.
Some guests danced, others played volleyball or attended to the braai. When the DJ played Bwede’s trending football song Ng’ona Ilibe Mabere, the dance floor grew instantly as people from nearby gatherings moved closer to enjoy the free show. The song enjoyed replays like no other.
As the fun neared its end, musician Nepman could not resist calls to sing freestyle versions of his famous hits, with Nalero and Magobo among the crowd’s favourites.
Despite being away from home for years, Nepman handled the moment with ease. Singing along to his tracks from the speakers, he gave an appreciable performance until the close of the summer potluck at 9pm.
“It feels good to be here. We are a connected community. As an artist, I will always use my talent to add value to this community,” he said.
Malawi markets itself as a God-fearing nation, the Warm Heart of Africa.
The event lived up to this billing not just through the shared warmth. It also included a short sermon from Washington-based Malawian prophetess Hulda, who led the gathering in prayer, praise and worship.
Hulda is a respected community member, especially for her support during difficult times such as bereavement.
She and her husband, Vitu Kamanga, are overseers of Fountain of Hope Ministries International Church, which connects Malawians to home.
Namwali said another event was planned for July 6, Malawi’s Independence Day.
The association estimates that 1 500 Malawians live in Washington or are affiliated with the group.
