Malawi: UMP Festival announces gospel segment headliners

Banda and Phondo join South Africa-based Malawian Afropop artist Onesimus, who will headline the main segment of the festival and will be joined by Zinhle Madela (South Africa), Ntuja (South Africa), Maveriq Mavo (South Africa), The Ells (Namibia), Raven Duchess (Zimbabwe), Faray the Great (Zimbabwe), Okie Worldwide (Tanzania), Naimah (South Africa), Muhonja (Kenya), ÀNESI (Nigeria) and Remnants (Zambia).

“We are honoured to welcome Dr Ethel Kamwendo Banda and Theresa Phondo to the UMP Festival,” UMP Spokesperson Marie Thom said. “Their music has touched the hearts of many, and their performances will undoubtedly be a highlight of this year’s event. Their participation underscores our commitment to showcasing the very best of Malawian culture and creativity.”

The festival will also feature local artists including Phyzix, Giboh Pearson, Temwah, Tuno, Mario Bros, Afana Ceez, Zonke Too Fresh, Trumel and Bucci, among others. Aside from music, the event will also feature other arts activities including theatre, spoken word, fine art, fashion, film and dance.

Banda’s music career spans over two decades, beginning at the tender age of nine with the Kamwendo Brothers Band. She has since performed with various bands, including Ravers Band, Wepaz, Mitondo, and Sapitwa, earning her a reputation as a star vocalist. Her soulful voice and timeless classics like ‘Ndiumboni’ and ‘Watikondera’ have endeared her to fans across the nation.

Phondo, on the other hand, is a rising star in the Afro-gospel and R&B genre. With an impressive 118 000 monthly listeners on Spotify, she is one of Malawi’s most streamed artists. Her self-titled debut EP has garnered significant acclaim, and her hit single ‘Blessings’ has captured audiences worldwide with over 1.9 million streams on Spotify. Phondo’s success extends beyond music; she was recently named one of the 100 most inspiring women in Malawi by Wealth Magazine in 2024 and serves as a worship leader, wife and mother, and administrative assistant to the chief strategy advisor to the president of Malawi.