Lake of Stars Festival (LoS) takes to the stage this weekend with a warm-up concert featuring an all-female line-up in a Set It Off showdown ahead of the main event on September 6 through to 8 2024 at Fish Eagle Bay in Nkhotakota.
The Set It Off concert, which is free of charge, will be held at Luanar-Bunda Campus in Lilongwe on Saturday, starting off with panel discussions and workshops in the morning and then performances in the afternoon.
“This is kind of a warm-up. The last Set It Off was years ago at Chanco, now University of Malawi,” LoS Spokesperson Zilanie Gondwe, said.
She said the Set It Off is there to give visibility to women, who work behind the scene as well as enable them to network and discuss issues that affect them.
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Some of the acts performing include Nyokase, Tayamika, Kim of Diamonds, Tamba Africa, Hazel Mak, Daughters Band, Temwa and DJ Bugglegum.
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Meanwhile, Gondwe has said they would be releasing the final list of performers ahead of the main event.
The festival has already released a line-up of some of the artists performing at the event and they include the country’s Amapiano stars Zeze Kingston and Temwah, Emmie Deebo, Bucci Worldwide, Daughters Band, YDC Theatre, Mzuzu Mafina, Afana Ceez and Britt Cee.
International artists include South Africa’s Sho Madjozi, who is the regional headliner, Zambia’s Mumba Yachi, Zimbabwe’s Lindsay Chamangurangura and Finland’s DJs Sandra Susi and Milla Lehto.
Dubbed Lake of Stars Reactivated, the festival returns in what the organisers have said is a grand style, marking its 20th anniversary as well as celebrating 60 years of Malawi’s independence.
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The festival gives fun lovers yet another surprise venue, having been on top of the game in rotating the event since its birth by Will Jameson at Chintheche Inn in Nkhata Bay in 2004.
Other places that have hosted the festival include Kachere Castle in Nkhata Bay, Kabumba Hotel in Salima and Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi.
LoS said recently that the Fish Eagle Bay Lodge offers an immersive experience that harmonises nature with people.
Surrounded by lush greenery, untouched beaches and pristine landscapes, LoS says attendees will have the opportunity to connect with both the music, culture and the environment in a unique and meaningful way.
“It is time! The ethos of boosting tourism, sharing our rich heritage, sustainability and environmental stewardship embodied by the eco lodge and the district aligns perfectly with our festival’s values, and we cannot wait to share this incredible setting with our attendees,” LoS Head of Projects and Productions Sharmila Elias, said.
Fish Eagle Bay Lodge Managing Director Anchen Jooste said they were excited to host such a top festival.
“It gives us an opportunity to reflect our unwavering commitment to uplift communities, showcase Nkhotakota’s warm-hearted hospitality and unique offerings to the world,” Jooste said.
Nkhotakota District Commissioner Ben Tonho said the coming of LoS to the district was a wonderful opportunity for people to discover what Nkhotakota can offer.
“We want people to see that Nkhotakota has it all – unforgettable beaches, wildlife and culture,” he said.
Some of the artists that have starred at the festival include Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi and Mookomba, Kenya’s Sauti Sol and South Africa’s Mafikizolo and Freshlyground.
The district readies for the top festival, having been embracing the annual Nkhotakota Music Festival.
