Dates: 17–19 October 2025 | Location: Nkhotakota, Malawi #LakeOfStars2025 #FromNkhotakotaToTheWorld
With just one week to go, excitement is building as the Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival 2025 announces its official line-up and full programme for this year’s much-anticipated return to the lakeshore.
Taking place on the beautiful beaches of Nkhotakota this October, the festival will once again bring together music lovers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts from Malawi and across the globe.
Under the theme “Empower. Connect. Enrich. Celebrate”, the 2025 edition of Malawi’s most iconic arts festival promises three days of music, art, culture, and community — a vibrant celebration of creativity set against the shimmering backdrop of Lake Malawi.
Explore the full festival programme here: www.lakeofstars.org
This year’s edition features over 120 acts across multiple stages, with 80% proudly Malawian, spotlighting the nation’s extraordinary creativity and global connections.
From headlining stars to homegrown favourites, the 2025 line-up includes:
- AY Young (USA) – UN Youth Ambassador and sustainability artist, bringing his renewable-energy-powered Battery Tour as part of his Guinness World Record mission to perform at 1,000 green festivals by 2026.
- Lady Amar (South Africa) – The acclaimed DJ and producer behind “Hamba”, bringing her signature amapiano beats to Malawi’s shores.
- Driemo (Malawi) – Nkhotakota’s own superstar and festival headliner, returning to his roots with chart-topping hits and an inspiring lakeshore-to-global journey.
- Keturah (Malawi) – The powerhouse songstress known for her soulful storytelling, leading this year’s celebration of women’s empowerment.
- Madalitso Band (Malawi) – The beloved duo embodying Malawi’s musical soul through their timeless sound.
- Zdenka (Czech Republic) – Making history as the first opera performer on the Lake of Stars stage.
- Felix Flavour (Germany) – Bringing Afro-house and Amapiano rhythms to the lakeshore.
And many more local and international artists joining to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and cultural exchange beneath the Malawian stars.
“Together, we’re building stages that connect Malawi to the global village, empowering artists, enriching communities, and transforming Nkhotakota into a vibrant cultural and tourism hub,” said Sharmila Elias-Taijala, Executive Director of Dusty Orange Projects Et Al (DOPE Malawi), the festival’s organisers.
In addition to the music, there will be a wealth of other entertainment and community events for residents to watch and participate in.
In partnership with Freshwater Project and Temwa Chawinga, Lake of Stars will host a community football tournament for female and male teams from Mbalame Village and surrounding areas.
The tournament kicked off on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at Chief Mbalame’s Community Grounds, building excitement ahead of the festival weekend.
Supported by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Lusaka, celebrations continue with the Day of Ideas Free Youth Festival on Thursday, 16 October, a dynamic platform “where art and culture spark innovation.”
This year’s theme celebrates traditional folklore and homemade musical instruments in partnership with Music Crossroads, through performances, workshops, and discussions that pay tribute to Malawi’s ancestral rhythms and creative heritage.
Come for the music, stay for the experience, at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge, Nkhotakota.
Tickets are still available at: www.pamsikaonline.com | www.kwenda.co | www.howler.co.za
About Lake of Stars
Founded in 2003, the Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival has grown into one of Africa’s most influential cultural events, showcasing Malawi’s creativity to the world. Produced by Dusty Orange Projects Et Al (DOPE Malawi), the festival has reached over 50,000 audiences, empowered 1,000+ Malawian artists, and supported 2,000+ local businesses, reaffirming its role as a catalyst for creative, cultural, and economic growth.
Accommodation
In the spirit of accessibility and inclusion, special discounts are available for Malawian residents:
- Resident Camper Package: MWK 140,000 for 3-day access + 3 nights camping (bring your own tent)
- Resident Student Ticket: MWK 53,000 for 3-day access — a 30% saving!
www.dopemw.org P.O. Box 288, Lilongwe, Malawi Mobile +265 99 1408695 Email: dustyorangeprojects@gmail.com
Our Valued Partners
This year’s festival is made possible through the generous support of partners and collaborators from across Africa and beyond.
Institutional & Energy Partners: Ministry of Local Government, Unity & Culture (Malawi) · Afreximbank & Creative Africa Nexus · Ministry of Tourism & Arts (Zambia) · REIAMA · UN Solair Corporation · Sunny Money & Solar Aid · Sun & Soil Foundation
Cultural & Media Partners: Malawi Airlines · Embassy of the Czech Republic & Czech Aid · Sailing Music Kenya · Vipi Travel Kenya · Made in Malindi Kenya · Star Travel Malawi · Kwimbo National Arts Festival Zambia · Kansanshi Festival Zambia · African Music Conference Zambia & South Africa · Music Exchange South Africa #MEX25 · Songlines Magazine UK · Music in Africa & ACCES · Camp 4 Life & Camping Kaphela · Timveni Malawi · MBC Malawi · Umunthu FM · Times Group · Nation Publications · Amaryllis Radio · Nkhotakota Radio · Canex
Hospitality & Tourism Partners: Land & Lake Safaris · Mango Drift Likoma Island · Fish Eagle Bay Lodge Malawi
Their collaboration ensures that the Lake of Stars experience remains not only memorable, but deliberate and purposeful.
Video: Lake of Stars Festival in Malawi Unveils 2025 Line-Up and Programme 17–19 October 2025
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