The Lake of Stars Festival is back on the golden shores of Lake Malawi, returning to Nkhotakota from 17-19 October 2025 at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge.
With more than just a celebration of music and art, the festival has become a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism whilst transforming the lives in communities such as Sani, Mwansambo, Kalimanjira and even at the boma.
At Sani trading center, traders are preparing for another plentiful year. Shop owner Fellowship Chimpeni recalled how last years’ edition has changed lives.
He said people made cumulative profits because products are sold at higher prices and still, everything gets finished.
“It is a win for us. We sell the products instantly and sometimes, our visitors offer the prices for themselves since they are keen to taste locally made products such as sculptures (ziboliboli) and alcoholic drinks including locally brewed kachasu,” Chimpeni said adding that “Beyond the shops, villagers earn extra by offering car security services to visitors which is a temporary venture that quickly turns into a worthwhile source of income.”
On the other hand, the Lake of Stars Festival’s benefits extend far beyond the grounds since after last year’s event, Sani and Mwansambo primary schools received 100 new desks, easing shortages that had frustrated pupils and teachers for years.
During the 2024 event, local entrepreneurs were also given free platforms to showcase their products, a rare opportunity in rural areas where market access is often limited.
Taking advantage of accommodation chances as almost all lodges are fully occupied, some people especially at the boma have equally benefited by temporarily renting their houses for few days as explained by Kenneth Mdazepa, a clothing dealer plying his trade in the district.
Mdazepa revealed that last year, for three days, he earned K300,000 by renting out his 2-bedroom house, an amount he struggles to get even within a month.
“That is money I could never easily make. During the event, lodges are fully booked weeks in advance, forcing both local and international tourists to seek private houses. It is a good business,” he said.
Being the host district once more, Spokesperson for Nkhotakota district council Wongani Mkandawire says this year’s festival will be even more impactful, citing that all preparations are progressing well, adding the council has learned from the previous event by improving in areas that fallen short and also maintaining the positive part of it.
He said, “Nkhotakota, being a lakeshore district has a lot to gain from tourism-centered development through events of this nature as it helps to strengthen our tourism muscle. Access roads have been rehabilitated and communities sensitized on the importance of supporting such an event, among others.”
The award-winning Executive Director of DOPE who is also this year’s Festival Organizer, Sharmila Elias Taijala said last year’s event drew about 1,500 participants including artists, fans, and sponsors across Africa and Europe.
Taijala highlighted that the community played a key role with Chief Mbalame and local police in supporting the creation of a market near the venue and launching the Khalani O’Masuka Community Guest Experience, a homestay program that promoted cultural exchange and sustainable tourism.
However, the event organizer raised concerns over unfair lodge pricing with some reaching between 100 and 300 percent, a situation she described as damaging the countries’ reputation.
But she was quick to mention that all relevant sectors are this time engaged in ensuring that everything goes on smoothly.
“The community invited us to return in this district again because they have seen the value of the event. Nevertheless, the number of lodges significantly inflated their prices with exorbitant rates over the festival weekend but the good news is that this will not happen again as we have engaged with the Ministries of Local Government, Tourism and also the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) who are working together with lodges in regulating such practices.” Said Taijala.
The return of Lake of Stars coincides with Malawi strengthening its tourism sector since parliament recently passed the Tourism Industry Bill No. 20 of 2025 which establishes the Malawi Tourism Authority to regulate standards and promote the country as a competitive destination which also includes introduction of licensing for tourism enterprises.
Despite music and tourism, this year’s edition is also taking sustainability as its focal point as Lake of Stars in partnership with the Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA) will feature solar-powered stages, eco-conscious lighting, electric vehicles, and solar water pumps for campsite showers and improved waste management.
Lake of Stars which was recently recognized by UNESCO as a global example of how arts and culture can drive sustainable development, has this year proved that it can be both entertaining and environmentally responsible.
The 2025 lineup has concentrated on the homegrown talent with the internationally acclaimed Madalitso Band to headline the event, bringing Malawian rhythms that have captured audiences worldwide and Nkhotakota’s very own Driemo will also take the stage.
From 17- 19 October 2025, Nkhotakota will once again be on the global tourism stage with communities standing a chance to boost business while the country stands an opportunity to strengthen its identity as a cultural and sustainable destination.
