UMP Festival to honour Malawi reggae icon Evison Matafale

The new Matafale Stage seeks to highlight the significant role that reggae music plays in Malawi’s cultural landscape and celebrates the enduring legacy of Matafale, whose influence continues to resonate across the nation.

The legacy of Matafale will be celebrated with a star-studded reggae line-up, featuring Bon Afrikan, the iconic Black Missionaries (Matafale’s original band), Anthony Makondetsa, The Tuff Lions Band, and Maveriq Mavo. Through their performances, these artists will keep Matafale’s spirit alive, spreading his enduring message of peace, unity, and social justice.

“Matafale’s music was a beacon of hope and unity for our nation, and we’re proud to keep his spirit alive at the UMP Festival. By dedicating the Matafale Stage to his memory, we’re not only honouring his legacy but also continuing his mission to inspire and uplift through the power of music,” UMP Festival spokesperson Marie Thom said.

Reggae music enjoys a huge following in Malawi, reflecting its global appeal. As a testament to its enduring popularity, UMP Festival – a vibrant, eco-friendly, and tech-savvy showcase of African urban culture – will feature reggae as a cornerstone of its dynamic and diverse line-up.

Meanwhile, UMP Festival has evolved from a humble mini-concert in Blantyre in 2009, featuring a makeshift truck stage, to become a premier entertainment event in Malawi. Founded by Khumbo Munthali and Ken Limwame of Nde’feyo Entertainment, the festival now encompasses a music festival, awards ceremony, fashion show, and media awards. Over the years, the festival has been hosted at various iconic venues, including the former French Cultural Centre, Chancellor College and BAT Ground, solidifying its position as a leading cultural phenomenon.

View the UMP Festival’s 2024 line-up here as well as the gospel segment headliners.

Tickets to the festival are available here.