By Jimmy Chazama and Sam Banda Jnr:
The country’s festival season is here.
In line with the spirit of the period, organisers are stepping out to unleash headliners and lineups.
Cape Maclear International Film Festival (CMIFF)—now in its third edition and scheduled to be held at Fat Monkeys, Cape Maclear, in Mangochi from October 15 to 17—has announced that musicians Driemo and reggae group Black Missionaries will be headliners.
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CMIFF Team Lead Edward Longwe said the two acts were chosen for their broad appeal and message.
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“Their music caters to audiences of all ages. The music has clean lyrics and relatable themes. That is exactly what we, at CMIFF, want,” Longwe said.
He said music and dance added up to the film screenings as well as panel discussions.
There will also be art exhibitions.
Driemo said yesterday that he was ready to perform at the lakeside event.
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“I am excited to be part of CMIFF. I am also happy to share the stage with Ma Blacks,” the ‘Pensulo’ star said.
Other artists set to perform at the festival include Keturah, Adobe Dance Crew, Unstoppable Dance Crew and DJ Clame.
Longwe has since said names of more international and local acts across different disciplines will be announced in due course.
Ahead of the main festival, CMIFF will host a one‑day cultural pop‑up at Five 79 Cafe in Blantyre City on August 29.
According to the organisers, the event would give patrons a preview of the festival, with opportunities for networking, content creation and live performances guaranteed.
Sand Music Festival, which returns to the fold after a two-year hiatus following the death of its director Soldier Lucius Banda, has also started making its lineup announcements.
The festival, which is spearheaded by Impakt Events, runs from September 25 to 27 at Sunbird Nkopola Leisure Centre in Mangochi District.
Lucius’ son Johnny Zembani said yesterday that they were making headway in their preparations.
He said they were also looking for more partnerships.
“We are happy to be back after two years and we are looking forward to giving fun lovers all the fun,” he said.
The festival, which recently unveiled CapeStars as its platinum sponsor, has announced two local acts namely Joe Ikon and Makasu Band.
Organisers have also invited Chris AKA from Zambia.
“We are building up and we should be announcing more acts soonest,” he said.
Lake of Stars Festival, which returns to Fish Eagle Bay in Nkhotakota from October 2 to 4, has also started announcing acts for this year.
Some of the artists on the lineup include musicians Black Missionaries and Anthony Makondetsa, Maggie Kadrum, Madalitso Band, Driemo, Soul Jive Band, Sangwani Kaunda, Daughters Band, Black Magical Strings Band and comedians Zahir and Dee Satha.
Led by Dope, the festival— which has been running for over 20 years—is set to feature several activities.
Of course, music is a given.
