Lake of Stars Festival: Celebrating Malawi’s culture on a global stage

According to festival organiser and executive director of Dusty Orange Projects Et Al (DOPE Malawi), Sharmila Elias-Taijala, this year’s edition continues the festival’s mission to empower local talent while embracing diversity. “The festival empowers upcoming Malawian cultural and traditional artists through uniquely Malawian entertainment, creating an unforgettable and epic weekend experience,” she said.

From its early days in Nkhata Bay, the Lake of Stars Festival has evolved into a global platform that not only showcases music but also drives community participation and cultural exchange. One of the key initiatives this year is the Homemade Musical Instruments Programme, which encourages collaboration between local and international artists. “We’ve opened up spaces for regional and international artists to exchange cultures,” Elias-Taijala explained. “These instruments, while not unique to Malawi, form the backbone and driving force of creativity in our country. This year, we’re excited to share this heritage with musicians from Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, Finland, Germany, and the US.”

The festival’s commitment to community involvement remains a cornerstone of its success. Local residents from Nkhotakota and nearby areas benefit economically through various opportunities linked to the event. “Community members earn revenue directly from the festival market and are encouraged to open shops outside the venue as well as have a representative inside,” Elias-Taijala noted. Beyond this, the Kalani Omazuka Community Guest Experience allows residents to rent out their homes to visitors, keeping all proceeds. “We also recycle and repurpose our stages into school desks, which are donated to nearby schools,” she added, underscoring the festival’s dedication to sustainability and social impact.

Education and youth empowerment are equally central to the festival’s vision. A Youth Festival, held on the Thursday before the main event, brings together secondary school students in partnership with the District Education Manager, the UN in Malawi, UNICEF, and the Republic of Zambia. “The programme connects policymakers, professionals, and peers, giving young people the opportunity to learn, grow, share, and celebrate Malawian arts and culture,” said Elias-Taijala.

In addition, the Day of Ideas provides a forum for knowledge-sharing between local creatives and industry leaders from across Africa. This year’s participants include Martin Myers from South Africa’s Music Exchange and Vusi Leeuw from Sony Music. “They share insights on how to navigate the music industry from a business perspective, inspiring participants, especially children from local communities, to become future innovators in Malawi’s arts and culture sector,” Elias-Taijala said.

Sustainability remains a key pillar of the festival’s operations. Stages are constructed using invasive tree species from the national park, which are later converted into desks for schools. Community clean-up initiatives are also organised ahead of the event, with collected waste materials often repurposed into art installations. “We have always taken steps toward sustainability,” Elias-Taijala affirmed. “These efforts not only preserve the environment but also promote creativity and responsibility within our community.”

Reflecting on the festival’s broader mission, Elias-Taijala emphasised its role as a bridge between cultures. “This is a culturally intersectional experience that brings together artists and audiences from South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, the UK, and the US,” she said. “It’s about diversity and inclusion, connecting communities through shared creativity. Ultimately, this is a festival with purpose, one that celebrates Malawi’s deep-rooted culture while inviting the world to discover it.”

As the Lake of Stars Festival continues to grow, its influence stretches far beyond Malawi’s borders. It remains a vital platform for cultural exchange, artistic empowerment, and sustainable community development, proof that music and creativity can indeed transform lives.

Tickets to the festival are available online via Pamsika Online, kwenda.co and Howler.