Zomba City Festival 2026 wraps sixth edition in Malawi

The three-day event featured music, spoken word, literature and panel discussions, with programming staged at the University of Malawi (UNIMA), the Zomba Plateau and several city venues including Signature, Mango Lodge and Blend.

The festival opened at UNIMA’s Little Theatre, where Festival Director Laura reflected on its development, noting that it originated during a period of global isolation as a space for community and creative expression. The event has since expanded into a multi-venue festival attracting both local and international audiences.

Dr Paul Lihoma, Director of the National Archives of Malawi, also addressed attendees and highlighted the festival’s role in preserving and promoting Malawian cultural heritage over the past six years.

The opening night continued at the UNIMA Open Air stage, featuring performances by Baxxy MW, Inkosi Jay Vee, Major Zack and Lipepedwa, hosted by Clovixx.

By the second day, activities were spread across three main hubs in Zomba, with organisers using a multi-venue format intended to integrate performances into the city’s urban environment. The programme included musical sets by NamesChapo, Amidu Ellan, Bexter MW and Chikondi Wiseman, alongside a back-to-back DJ performance by DDB and FOMO.

Alongside music programming, the festival incorporated literary discussions and spoken word sessions led by creative facilitator Q Malewezi, focusing on dialogue between established and emerging voices in the arts sector.

The final day took place at Blend, where the programme shifted towards acoustic music and poetry. Performers included Alfred the Dawn, Monalisa Alfonso, Eagle Pro, Nathaniel Chaluchalu, Eugene Rein and Em Foreign, concluding the festival with a more subdued and reflective atmosphere.

Organisers said the festival was delivered through collaboration between the ZCF team, sponsors and volunteers, and aimed to strengthen cultural engagement across different communities.

Over its three days, the festival combined performance and discussion across multiple sites in Zomba, contributing to what organisers described as wider cultural exchange within Malawi’s creative sector.

Contributors: Sisi Nkabinde, Shaked Khuzwayo, Bakang Mokgautsi and Lefa Kgotso