Tradition meets urban culture at Likoma Sand Festival
There is an outcry from conservatives and cultural custodians about the degradation of our cultural values coupled with the loss of national identity.
On the other hand, the recent generation argues that the world is changing and, since culture is dynamic, they have to respond to the trends around them. This change is something that is out of anyone’s hands.
Recognising this dilemma, Likoma Sand Festival has organised a carnival from August 29 to 31 at Likoma Island to celebrate Malawi’s cultural heritage, arts and tourism.
Urban artists Piksy, Dictator and Piksy and the acoustic duo of Lucky Star will share the stage with traditional dances of the island such as malipenga and chioda.
As this happens, revellers will be treated to traditional and contemporary cuisines which will be sold at the event.
The festival starts before one even steps foot on the island.
29 buses are expected to ferry patrons from the cities of Blantyre, Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre to Nkhata Bay, where they will party until morning from where they will board the Illala to the island.
After being entertained to a disco on the deck of the vessel with DJ Africa on the turntables, the revellers are expected to reach the island at about 7am.
From 9am recreational beach games such as beach volleyball, soccer, canoe race and jet skiing competition and traditional dances begin.
Music performances will start at 3pm up to Sunday morning from where patrons will be taken on a sight-seeing trip of the island before departure at midday.
Just like the cruise on the way to the Island, revellers will be treated to a disco on the deck of the Illala to Nkhata Bay where they will depart for their respective cities.
The organiser of the festival, Peter Chiwaula, assured Chill that they are working together with a village committee that has been selected by chiefs of the area to make sure there is adequate security and sanitation on the island.
“We have also ensured safety by involving health workers in the area for first aid assistance in case of emergencies, and the marine services which will be deployed on the island to provide life jackets to all patrons and ensure safety,” said Chiwaula.
Chiwaula said since there are no banks on the island, they have partnered with Airtel to have enough Airtel Money agents at the festival to ensure people have enough money for their leisure.
“We have organised this festival as a way to appreciate the beauty of our country. It is a way of promoting tourism. Whenever people think of a holiday they just think of Mangochi and Salima, but Likoma is one heaven on its own,” said Chiwaula.
The festival has been pegged at K30 000 (about $78) for a regular ticket, and K45 000 (about $118) for a premium ticket. Those that will opt to use their transportation to and from Nkhata Bay and source their own accommodation will pay K20 000 (about $52).
The premium ticket includes a room at a lodge while the regular ticket will have a tent for accommodation.
The organisers of the festival will also act as travel agents to link the revellers who will use their own accommodation to lodges and resorts on the island.
