Lake of Stars Festival (LoS) started its journey under new supervision in sparkling form, serving the audience with a spread of performances from both local and international acts at Fish Eagle Bay in Nkhotakota from Friday through to Sunday.
It turned out to be a proper outing for the festival as it celebrated its 20th anniversary as well as 60th independence of Malawi.
Starting off with Day of Ideas on Thursday, cemented with some performances, the festival, whose main sponsor was the United Kingdom, launched on Friday with several acts including the country’s Amapiano star Zeze Kingston and Rachael Dadd from United Kingdom.
Festival goers relished different artistic forms such as poetry, dance, theatre, music and traditional dances in the three stages of Beach, Tree House and Kweza.
“Thank you Malawi for showing up. Lake of Stars is here and will continue to shine,” LoS spokesperson Zilanie Gondwe said during the the opening on Friday amidst cheers from the audience.
Principal Secretary for National Unity in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture Elizabeth Gomani Chindebvu, who officially opened the festival on Friday, described LoS as a space that has marketed Malawi to the world.
“Let us support the women who have taken the new role of driving this initiative forward. Women should be given space to thrive in the creative industry,” Chindebvu said.
British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie, praised the festival’s potential for cultural exchange.
“The Lake of Stars Festival has a major influence in the creative sector, and I commend the organisers for creating a platform that fosters connections between artists and audiences from different backgrounds,” Ritchie, whose country contributed three artists, said.
She said that Britain is committed to supporting the creative sector in the country and described their participation as part of inspiring future generations on using innovative solutions to tackle climate change.
Zeze Kingston, who was among the headliners, said it was a dream come true for him to star at the festival.
“I have always wanted to perform at this top festival and, so, I am happy to have finally made it,” he said.
Other artists who had a share at the festival included Emmie Deebo, Bucci, Hazel Mak, Daughters Band and Tamba Africa.
South African artist Sho Madjozi, who starred as the regional headliner, was one of the highlights of the second day.
She raised the bar with her act and as soon as she jumped on stage, the crowd erupted into cheers, with some fans calling for her to be given a plot of land in the country.
The ‘John Cena’ maker, who did not perform with a live band, was energetic throughout her set, serving songs such as ‘Kadigong’o, which left the audience in awe.
A number of other acts also made a lasting impact, moving the audience during the three-day festival that also included workshops and discussions on growing the creative sector in the country, power of collaborations and utilising art to tackle various issues affecting society including climate change and environmental conservation.
People at the festival described the event as top- notch.
“I have had an amazing time, but some of our local artists need to prepare well, especially having rehearsals. Sho Madjozi’s performance was flawless,” Joseph Malikebu, who travelled all the way from Lilongwe, said.
