Lake of Stars 2015: What’s in it for the fans?

The annual Lake of Stars (LoS) returns to Sunbird Nkopola Lodge tonight as arts takes centre stage as the festival continues to be known as the juncture for music, visual arts, poetry, dance and theatre. And this year, there is an additional dimension as fashion rolls in motion on the shores of Lake Malawi.

While the festival has hosted some of the finest musicians on the continent for the last decade, Fashion Malawi Edition (Fame), in partnership Gems and Jewellery, will hold a fashion event dubbed Trendsetters that will feature various local designers.

Over the course of the weekend, there is going to be a showcase of talents from Malawi, Africa and beyond, with a lineup that features music of all kinds—from traditional to contemporary, acoustic to electronic.

Talking about music, the menu is worth salivating for as musicians with mastery on different genres of music are set to perform at this year’s festival.

Key performers tonight include the headline act Uhuru, who will be joined by fellow South African musician Toya Delazy plus local acts Lawi and The Mango, Gwamba, Dan Lu, George Kalukusha, Agorosso, Germans Anai and Freak AssE as well as DJ Dawee.

Nigeria’s first artist on the LoS stage Ric Hassani will rock it with Young Fathers from UK, Zimbabwe’s Mokoomba, Lulu, Lucius Banda, Nepman and other musicians whose performances will run concurrently with the Mwezi Arts Children’s Theatre plus The Vagina Monologues and spoken word poetry session by Q Malewezi, Lily Banda and Marumbo Sichinga.

Botswana’s Zeus, Faith Mussa, Sonye of Tsika fame, Muhanya and The Dikamawoko Band, Sam Mkandawire, Patrick Simakweli, Lusibilo Band, Fumbi Jazz Band, Adrian Kwelepeta and Tilinanu Children’s Choir will perform on Sunday.

When asked about the line-up this year, festival director, Will

Jameson said: “We are excited for the amazing acts we have confirmed this year. Our approach was to spread across as many genres as possible and increase the diversity of our acts to ensure we entertain the different audiences that come to the festival.”

Striking a balance between fan favourites and up and comers, the festival organisers hope to create an event that anyone can enjoy.

“We have prepared a jam packed weekend showcasing over 80 acts from over 10 countries. And attendees are invited to experience this unique display of arts, culture and community activities,” he said.