Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival returns to Nkhotakota for 2025 edition

The 2025 edition, the organisers said, promises another unforgettable showcase of creativity, culture and community empowerment, reinforcing the festival’s status as one of Africa’s most iconic cultural gatherings.

“Our work here is far from over,” festival organiser and executive director of DOPE Malawi Sharmila Elias-Taijala said. “The festival was originally conceived to support the growth and development of Malawi’s hidden treasures by attracting tourists to its breath-taking landscapes and lake shores. It aims to showcase Malawi’s warm-heart culture and world-class talent, shaping a positive narrative about the country for the media. In doing so, it continues to empower local communities surrounding the festival venues, celebrate our gifts with the world, and enhance Malawi’s global competitiveness and cultural legacy, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“The festival has made a tangible difference in Nkhotakota, boosting the hospitality industry, driving development, and uplifting the local community. We feel compelled to return, not only to build on our vision but also to celebrate the progress we’ve made.”

Over the past two decades, Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival has played a pivotal role in shaping Malawi’s festival culture, redefining the country’s media narrative, empowering youth, and propelling local artists onto global stages. In 2018 alone, the festival generated an estimated $2 million for the national economy, further highlighting its economic significance.

Renowned for blending local and international artistry, the festival has become a platform for enterprise, diversity, connection, and artistic growth. It continues to unite global audiences with the rich cultural offerings of Malawi, all set against the country’s idyllic lakeside scenery.

In addition to its artistic endeavours, the festival remains committed to environmental sustainability and community development. A recent initiative saw 100 school desks donated to local schools in Nkhotakota, repurposed from recycled festival stage materials. These efforts were recognised by UNESCO, which included the festival in its 2025 research paper Harnessing Southern Africa’s Arts and Cultural Festivals for Sustainable Development, presented at the MTN Bushfire Festival in eSwatini.

This year’s edition will once again offer a deeply immersive experience featuring a wide range of activities and genres, from traditional music and folklore to contemporary sounds, visual arts, and family-friendly entertainment. Attendees can look forward to performances rooted in Malawian heritage, including ‘Mangelengele’ rhythms, kwela, and gule wamkulu, as well as pop, rock steady, and Western folk influences.

2025 headliners

Local act Madalitso Band has been announced as the first cultural headliner for 2025. Known for their handmade instruments and uplifting folk sound, the duo has become a symbol of authentic Malawian music.

“It’s very exciting, considering back in 2019 we were just a smaller band, featuring in the background,” Madalitso Band manager Neil Nayar said. “We’ve had so much success with festivals around the world — Glastonbury, WOMAD, Sauti Za Busara, MTN Bushfire — so to bring it all back home at Lake of Stars is absolute magic. Can’t wait to share this with our own people! Our own home!”

With two albums under Swiss label Bongo Joe Records and a feature-length documentary in development, Madalitso Band’s global impact continues to grow. Their return to Lake of Stars marks a symbolic homecoming and a celebration of Malawi’s evolving music scene.

The 2025 Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival will feature more than 70 diverse acts, creating a dynamic cultural platform that bridges tradition and innovation. As organisers prepare for this landmark event, the focus remains on community upliftment, artistic expression, and economic growth all under the banner of Malawian pride.

Tickets to the festival can be purchased here.