Celebrating its 10 Year Anniversary, the Lake of Stars Project are staging a two-day, multi-venue arts festival and conference showcasing the best in emerging and acclaimed talent from Malawi and beyond at Sanctuary Lodge in Lilongwe, Malawi from 27 to 28 September 2013.
Now flying solo after travelling the globe as Tumi and the Volume playing to crowds 10 thousand strong, South Africa’s leading hip hop artist has just released his third solo album Rob The Church. Produced primarily by bass player Fred Hirschy producer for Freddy Masamba and Senegalese artist Didier Awadi, the album takes a quite deliberate move into the oft-attempted African influenced hip-hop album. Typified by polyrhythm and afro beat syncopations but never departing wholly from the current synth-bass heavy 808 sounds capes that have populated today's hip hop.
Tumi will be joined by Johannesburg’s own Reason who started out as a battle rapper. It wasn’t long before South Africa took notice and his first radio hit Do It Like I Can reached number one on Metro FM, 5FM and Ukhosi FM music charts. Reason has gone on to collaborate with some of South Africa’s most prolific rappers such as Proverb, Tumi, Zubz, ILL Skillz, HHP, Amu and AKA.
Kenyan Afro-pop band Sauti Sol will bring their blend of warm resonant pop and traditional Kenyan influences to COS. Sauti Sol’s mélange of energetic rhythms have promoted the group to become one of East Africa’s most celebrated with their latest EP produced by Spoek Mathambo. With two extremely successful albums in three years, this band reflects a range of musical wealth inspired by African artists including Lokua Kanza, Fadhili Williams, Daudi Kabaka, Fally Ipupa and Salif Keita to British and American artists: Coldplay and Jason Mraz.
City of Stars will feature an eclectic programme of live music, film, theatre, literature, exhibitions and speakers, and will promote Malawian culture and creativity as well as attracting international artists and arts practitioners.
British-born singer YaDi joins the international line-up. Her unique sound is an amalgamation of an Algerian, Italian and Norwegian heritage, and reveals her fascination with North African music and aesthetics. She’s be working with high profile producers including The Very Best’s Johan Hugo (Santigold, M.I.A.), Ariel Rechtshaid (HAIM, Major Lazer) and Hotflush label head Scuba.
Svermere will treat festival goers to traditional music from Norway with a twist. Inspired by jazz, rock and world music, Svermere was formed by one of Norway’s most recognised fiddle players, Aslak Brimi. They have been described as “playful and lively” with “first class interplay” by Norway’s leading folk music magazine, Folkemusikk.
Other international acts confirmed include London/Malawi’s The Very Best and Glasgow DJ Auntie Flo who will bring his unique afro-futurist sound, encompassing classic house, disco, techno, electronica influences alongside afrobeat, kwaito, cumbia and South American rhythms. Plus London spoken word artist George the Poet, who was recently described by the UK Guardian as ‘the hottest name in spoken word.’
Confirmed Malawians on the bill include one of the country’s best reggae artists Sally Nyundo, lead vocalist for Konkalazi, Sirius, and singer-songwriter Jaco Jana. The infamous wordsmith Q Malewezi and poet Yolanda Kaluma are also among the first confirmed acts. Malawian artistic partners include Zilanie Nyundo (Fashion Malawi Edition and CREAM!), Music Crossroads, and Rhythm of Life Malawi.
Earlybird tickets are now on sale for K6000 at selected venues across Malawi including Buchanans, Flavours Café, Kiboko, Mabuya, Papaya, Sanctuary Lodge, and Wilderness Safaris (Lilongwe and Blantyre at Ryalls Hotel). Alternatively, you can buy tickets online or get them as part of a travel package through our travel partner, Wilderness Safaris.
City of Stars is supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Lilongwe, Live Nation, Malawi’s Latitude 13 hotel and Scotland’s David Livingstone 200 Fund.
Since 2004 the Lake of Stars project has staged an award-winning festival on the shores of Lake Malawi, alongside other events in the UK and across the globe. The project has reached more than 200 million people through international and local media coverage. It has generated over $3 million spend and 200 employment opportunities in Malawi.
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