Malawi: UMP Festival 2024 to ride wave of amapiano success

Building on this momentum, the organisers have unveiled a line-up of amapiano artists who will perform at the festival. They include King Sebastian, Deep London, DJ Kopano, Itsallblaq Blaq, and DJ Wassa Bee, each bringing their unique style and flair to the stage.

“I’m honoured to be part of this amazing musical experience,” DJ Wassa Bee said. “I’m excited to meet and draw inspiration from artists who do different genres and hopefully collaborate with the talented artists I featured on my debut album.”

Amapiano’s soulful and atmospheric sound, which blends deep house, jazz, and lounge music elements, has resonated with audiences globally. According to the organisers, the UMP Festival is dedicated to showcasing a wide range of musical talents and creating an exceptional experience for attendees, all the while prioritising sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. With its stellar line-up and commitment to eco-friendliness, the festival is poised to be a remarkable tribute to amapiano’s worldwide success.

“We are thrilled to embrace amapiano’s global conquest and share its vibrant sound with our audience,” UMP Festival spokesperson Marie Thom said. “UMP Festival is committed to celebrating diverse musical talents and providing an unforgettable experience for our attendees.”

Apart from the amapiano artists, this year’s line-up includes a mixture of local and international artists from different art forms including music, spoken word, theatre, fine arts and dance. The festival will be headlined by South Africa-based Malawian musician Onesimus and performances by other acts like Zinhle Madela (South Africa), Raven Duchess (Zimbabwe), Muhonja (Kenya) and Remnants (Zambia), among others.

About UMP Festival

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.