On Cape Talk on Thurs 5th June Zahir Elias speaks about The Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival

Lake of Stars! A movement, a celebration of who we are as Malawians, and how our roots run deep through rhythm, folklore, and unity.

On Cape Talk on Thurs 5th June we speak to Zahir  Elias from  The Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival which will be held from   October 17th to 19th, 2025.

 I met Zahir at the African Music conference (where we both sat on panels ) in Lusaka at the end of May and I saw a wonderful conversation that could unfold about a unique festival in Africa. 

We are also  thrilled to announce Madalitso Band as the first cultural local headliner for this year’s Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival.

 Renowned for their unique sound and handmade instruments, Madalitso Band will lead audiences on an unforgettable musical journey rooted in Malawian folklore traditions. Listen to the music from this link 

This year’s festival promises a deeply immersive arts experience, celebrating the rich storytelling and soulful rhythms that define Malawi’s cultural heritage and evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and national pride.

 With homegrown headliners like the iconic Madalitso Band, we are diving even deeper into the vibrant cultural fabric that is Malawi’s musical heritage — where ancestral echoes meet modern expression in a symphony that is uniquely ours.

Madalitso Band is a dynamic duo from Malawi known for their infectious energy, handmade instruments, and uplifting folk sound.

 Described by the BBC as “vibrant and uplifting,” they captivate audiences with syncopated rhythms, rich harmonies, and powerful storytelling rooted in Malawian tradition. Discovered while busking outside a shopping centre in Lilongwe over 15 years ago, they’ve since toured globally, performing at major festivals like WOMAD, Roskilde, and Sauti Za Busara, flying the Malawian flag high and far! 

With  acclaimed albums under Swiss label Bongo Joe Records and a feature-length documentary on the way, Madalitso Band continues to redefine African folklore with authenticity and heart.

“Band yatu ndiyo sangalala kwambili ku yikupita patsogolo. Ndi chinthu chachi kulu kwambili. Ndi’ife o’kondwa.’ Madalalitso Band

– ‘It’s very exciting, considering back in 2019, we were just a smaller band, featuring in the background. We’ve had so much success with festivals around the world, Glastonbury, WOMAD, Sauti Za Busara, MTN Bushfire. So to bring it all back home at Lake of Stars, is absolute magic, can’t wait to share this with our own people! Our own home!’ Neil Nayar – The Madalitso Band Manager

We’re excited to welcome them to the Lake of Stars stage this year, where they’ll join over 70 diverse acts in creating unforgettable moments, bridging cultures, and sharing Malawi’s rich stories with the world. 

This is not just a stage — it’s a platform for storytelling and transformation. From kwela to gule wamkulu, from lake shores to wild bushes, we’re weaving together the sounds that define Malawi.

Early Bird Tickets Closing Soon!

Catch the wave before it crests — Early Bird tickets will stop sale on 30 June 2025. Tickets are available at Kwenda.co and at the following local outlets:

Mzuzu: Linde Lounge

Lilongwe: Land & Lake Safaris, Visions, Kaza Kitchen

Blantyre: Joe’s Bakery, Café Maju

Zomba: Heritage Centre

Let your town represent — get yours before they sell out!

Pop-Up Events in Full Swing

We’ve taken Malawi by storm with our national pop-up series. After a magical launch at Kuwala Gardens, we’re heading next to Genovieve’s in Lilongwe and Springs in Mzuzu, with sights set on Cape Maclear and Blantyre. Each pop-up captures the essence of the festival — local artists, intimate performances, and that unmistakable Malawi warmth.

Crossing Borders: Malawi in Motion

Lake of Stars is proud to spotlight Malawian creativity across the Southern African region.

This journey goes beyond music — it’s about movement, identity, and national pride. From Lilongwe to Manzini, Nkhotakota to Lusaka, Lake of Stars is proudly carrying Malawi’s creative spirit across borders.

Key Highlights:

•          Celebrating Our Wins: This year’s festival marks a new chapter with DOPE Malawi at the helm, highlighting authentic Malawian melodies alongside a diverse lineup of international talent. The expanded creative program will showcase a rich variety of artistic expressions.

•          Ticket Sales, Partnerships & Headliners: Ticket sales underway, and online platforms. News on partners, artists and more headliners will be announced from July this year.

•          Continuing the Journey: In just one year, Nkhotakota has experienced a remarkable boost in tourism from both domestic and international visitors. The festival remains committed to further empowering the region and driving sustainable growth.

•          Global Cultural Exchange: Lake of Stars continues to be a platform for Malawian artists to shine on the global stage, fostering cultural diversity and international collaboration, through exchange programmes and conferences.

•          Economic Impact: Over the years, the festival has played a vital role in strengthening the Malawian economy, supporting local businesses, and attracting international tourism to the stunning Lake Malawi region.

•          Awards & Recognition: With a history of accolades, Executive Director at DOPE Malawi (festival organisers), Mrs. Sharmila Elias-Taijala, was recently honored with the 2025 Woman of Substance Award for Arts and Culture. Lake of Stars remains a highly respected and influential force in the global festival scene.

Madalitso Banda

  Head of Media, PR & Relationships LOS, Fumukazi Zilanie Gondwe

“Mangelele is one of the types of music I grew up with, alongside the timeless tunes of Bob Marley and Michael Jackson. I recall those weekends, when local musicians would visit our backyard, strumming their homemade guitars crafted from old oil cans, and playing for us in exchange for a few tambalas. Those moments hold such a special place in my heart, evoking memories of simpler times, laughter and the warmth of communities. I can’t wait to celebrate Malawi’s best with the world at the festival this year.” – Executive Director, Sharmila Elias, DOPE organisers of Lake of Stars

Save the Date: The Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival invites attendees from around the world to join in this momentous celebration. 

Save the date from October, 17th to 19th, 2025, for a weekend of cultural immersion, Pan-Africanism, Mother’s Day week and building positive global bridges, artistic brilliance, and a tribute to transforming Nkhotakota into the next best beach location.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates: @LakeofStars #LOS2025

For media inquiries, interviews, or accreditation, please contact:

Zilanie Gondwe, Head of Media, PR & Relationships

zilanie@lakeofstars.org

About Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival: Established in 2003, the Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival has been a trailblazer in promoting Malawi’s vibrant cultural scene on the global stage. Recognized for its impact on the arts, tourism, and economy, the festival has garnered numerous awards and continues to inspire artists and festival enthusiasts worldwide.