Review: Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival 2025

The event reflected the essence of Malawian culture while embracing a pan-African and international spirit through performances by artists from Zimbabwe, South Africa, the Czech Republic and other countries.

Opening night: Zimbabwe shines

Festivities began on Friday, 17 October, with an energetic performance by Zimbabwe’s Afrocentric dance duo Djembe Monks, whose rhythms and stage presence immediately captivated the crowd. Their set could easily have been placed on the busier Saturday line-up, given the electric response they received.

The night continued with a traditional dance performance by Tamba Africa, followed by Zimbabwean percussionist and Afro-house artist Wowrae, whose dynamic set elevated the energy further. Local stars Madalitso Band, Driemo and DB Step closed out the Mangelengele Stage with crowd-pleasing performances that left the audience buzzing.

Meanwhile, the Gologolo Stage, dedicated to DJs, stayed alive with sets from Nyenyezi, Aux265, Hype, Wayne, Skappa and others, offering festival-goers a diverse musical experience deep into the night.

Saturday: A night of musical fusion

Saturday, 18 October, saw larger crowds as more festival-goers arrived from across Malawi and neighbouring countries. DJ Maaz kicked-off the night at the Mangelengele Stage, paving the way for performances by Manyasa Band, Amahoro Drummers, Zebra Band, and singer Hazel Mak, who teased songs from her forthcoming album. Felix Flavour and others maintained the night’s vibrant pace.

Over at the Kweza Space, audiences were treated to a refreshing blend of classical and contemporary music. Czech opera singer Zdenka Kotova and South African pianist Richard Rheeder delivered an elegant set that stood out for its rarity in the African festival circuit. Kotova’s rich vocals and Rheeder’s delicate accompaniment filled the venue with a sense of impressiveness.

The space also featured performances from Kayz Adams, Rabson Mpotandevu, Britt Cee, and Chimtengera, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to diversity and creative expression.

Final day

Sunday, 19 October, marked the festival’s conclusion, with all three stages hosting an array of performances that highlighted Malawi’s musical depth and regional collaboration. Acts such as Agorosso, Flaming Maize, Lucky Star Band, Raven Duchess, Patrick Chimbewa, Matt Alegeo, and The Daughters Band brought the event to a celebratory close.

Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival 2025 offered more than just live performances. The festival hosted panel discussions on topics such as Music Business, Roots & Rhythm, and Green Beats & Festival Economy, featuring industry experts including the founder of the NPC Music Exchange.

Workshops and fringe events complemented the programme, including an instrument-building session led by Patrick Chimbewa and Aliddeki, film screenings, and folklore and comedy sessions with Zahir Ray and Dee Satha. Spoken word performances by Refilwe, Jane Sanenje, and Andrew Bocagone added literary depth to the cultural celebration.

Before the evening showcases, German artist Elias entertained festival-goers with his Soap Bubble Show, a visually family-friendly act that blended performance art with playful spectacle.

Outside the stages, the natural setting of Lake Malawi provided an idyllic escape. Attendees swam, cruised on boats, and relaxed along the beach, merging leisure with culture in true Lake of Stars Arts Festival Malawi tradition.

Despite logistical challenges such as travel infrastructure, the festival’s spirit and organisation ensured that the journey was more than worth it, a reminder that Malawi, with its lake, its people, and its art, remains the “warm heart of Africa.”