Lady Amar

Lady Amar Set to Light Up Lake of Stars

by with No Comment Artists

Get ready, music lovers! We are thrilled to announce that Lady Amar will be one of the headliners at Lake of Stars 2025. This rising star in South Africa’s amapiano scene brings energy, soulful vocals and dancefloor magic – and we can’t wait to see her take the stage by the lake.

Lady Amar

Who Is Lady Amar?

Born in the township of Soweto, raised in Orange Farm, South Africa, Lady Amar first showed musical ambition at a young age — though she initially considered a teaching path, music won out. She studied at Fuse Academy, played gigs in Johannesburg’s club scene and gradually built a reputation as a DJ + vocalist.

Now she is one of South Africa’s most famous artists. Her hit “Hamba Juba” has tens of millions of streams.

Check out her top tracks here:

Lake of Stars pop up Land and Lake cafe

The final countdown party is here!

by with No Comment Events

The countdown is officially ON, and the road to Lake of Stars 2025 has been nothing short of magical. Over the past few months, we’ve been popping up across Malawi — from the buzzing streets of Lilongwe, to the energy of Blantyre, and the cool vibes of Mzuzu — bringing a little taste of the festival to every corner of the country. Each city came alive with music, laughter, and those unmistakable Lake of Stars vibes.

Now, we’re back in Lilongwe for the final stop before the big weekend: The Last Pop-Up at Land & Lake Café, happening Saturday, 13th September, from 2PM–8PM.

What’s in Store?

This isn’t just another Saturday afternoon — it’s your chance to dive headfirst into the Lake of Stars spirit before we gather by the lakeshore. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Zahir, the line-up is stacked with talent to keep you moving:

  • DJ Liv serving up dancefloor-ready beats

  • Wati Nungu bringing smooth words and rhymes

  • DJ Thando closing things out with pure fire

And that’s just the start. Expect poetry, festival vibes, and a crowd buzzing with excitement for what’s to come.

A Bar Like No Other 

In more exciting news, The Land & Lake Cafe is choosing this event to unveil its brand-new Bar Box — and trust us, you’ll want to be first in line. Think handcrafted cocktails mixed with fresh, local fruits, a gin collection sourced from around the world, and a menu of soulful dishes cooked up by the Café’s kitchen. Global flavours with Malawian heart, all in one place.

More Than Just a Party 

This pop-up isn’t only about the music and drinks (though those are reason enough!). It’s your one-stop hub to get fully festival-ready:

🎟 Grab your Lake of Stars festival tickets before they sell out
⛺ Explore camping & accommodation packages so you’re sorted for the weekend
🛶 Get expert travel support from Land & Lake Safaris, the team who know Malawi inside out

We’ve made it easy: come for the cocktails, stay for the music, and leave with everything you need to be part of Malawi’s biggest celebration by the lake.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Think of this as your warm-up before the main event. The Last Pop-Up is where friendships are made, plans are locked in, and the energy builds toward three unforgettable days at Nkhotakota. Whether you’ve been with us from Lilongwe to Mzuzu, or this is your first pop-up, you’ll feel the Lake of Stars magic from the moment you arrive.

So gather your crew, mark your calendar, and get ready to say cheers at Land & Lake Café — because from here, all roads lead to the lake.

✨ Come for the cocktails. Stay for the music. Leave ready for Lake of Stars.

 

Driemo

Meet one of our Malawian headliners: Driemo

by with No Comment Artists

We’re beyond excited to announce that one of Malawi’s brightest rising stars, Driemo, will be lighting up the stage as one of our Malawian headliners this year. Get ready for good vibes, soulful grooves, and a true celebration of homegrown talent.

We’re beyond excited to announce that one of Malawi’s brightest rising stars, Driemo, will be lighting up the stage as one of our local Malawian headliners this year. Get ready for good vibes, soulful grooves, and a true celebration of homegrown talent.

Meet Driemo

Driemo

Born Shafie S. Phiri and originally from Nkhotakota, Driemo is a talented singer, songwriter, and actor who’s been making waves in Malawi’s music scene with his Afro-pop and R&B-infused sounds. In 2018 he dropped his first single So Good and ever since has released hit after hit.

The hard work paid off — he bagged Best Male Artist and Music Video of the Year for his song Mojo at the 2022 Maso Awards. What a way to confirm that he’s not only one to watch — but already one of Malawi’s standout musicians.

Why You’ll Love Him

Driemo’s blend of heartfelt lyrics, catchy rhythms, and smooth vocals makes his music perfect for festival nights and laid-back afternoons alike. Whether you’re vibing to Mojo, feeling the groove of Popo, or soaking in the emotion of No Insurance, there’s something magical about his ability to connect with listeners.

Whether you’re already a long-time fan or brand new to his music, seeing Driemo perform live at Lake of Stars is going to be a special moment. Expect energy, passion, and a whole lot of Malawian musical pride.

Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to dance under the stars with Driemo bringing the heat!

Spotify Playlist: Driemo Essentials

Ready to get into his world? Check out this Spotify playlist featuring some of Driemo’s can’t-miss tracks:

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Lake of Stars 2025: A Greener Future

by with No Comment AwardsUncategorized

Big news, friends — Lake of Stars 2025 is about to get even brighter (and greener)! This October, we’re heading back to the stunning shores of Fish Eagle Bay Lodge in Nkhotakota for three days of music, culture, and community — but this year we’re also stepping up in a whole new way: sustainability is taking centre stage.

You may have seen that UNESCO recently gave Lake of Stars a special shout-out in their new report, Creating for the Future. They recognised our festival as a leading example of how the arts can build stronger communities, spark new opportunities, and even help fight climate change. Pretty exciting, right?

We also had the honour of representing Malawi earlier this year at the UNESCO Arts Roundtable at the MTN Bushfire Festival in Eswatini. There, we shared how creativity can power real change — and let’s be honest, that’s exactly what Lake of Stars has always been about.

But now, we’re putting words into action. We’ve teamed up with the Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA) to make Lake of Stars 2025 our greenest festival yet. Think:

  • Solar-powered stages 🌞
  • Eco-friendly lighting ✨
  • Electric vehicles on site 🚐
  • Smarter waste management ♻️

This isn’t just a theme; it’s a full-on commitment. We want to show that festivals in Africa (and beyond) can be powered by clean, renewable energy — and hopefully inspire others to follow.

Our theme this year is “The Heartbeat of Tradition – Celebrating Homemade Musical Instruments.” Expect incredible performances, deep dives into Malawian heritage, and workshops that shine a light on our roots. At the same time, we’re pointing firmly toward the future — one where art, culture, and climate action go hand in hand.

Sounds like something don’t want to miss? We thought so. Grab your tickets right here:

pamsikaonline.com | kwenda.co | howler.co.za

We’ll be sharing more details soon (line-up, activities, and all the magic you can expect). But for now, mark your calendars, tell your friends, and get ready for a festival that celebrates music, tradition, and a greener tomorrow.

See you by the lake!

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Lake of Stars in the Global Spotlight – Featured in Songlines Music Magazine

by with No Comment Press

We’re buzzing with excitement – Songlines magazine, one of the world’s most respected voices in music from all corners of the globe, has featured Lake of Stars in a beautiful piece called “Music in Malawi.”

Written by Christopher Conder, who joined us at the festival last year, the article captures the incredible variety of music that flows through Malawi. From the hypnotic beats of traditional drumming to contemporary Afro-pop, from heartfelt folk songs to fiery hip-hop verses, Malawi’s music is as diverse as its landscapes. You’ll find homegrown reggae bands playing under the stars, gospel choirs raising the roof with harmonies that give you goosebumps, and singer-songwriters blending English and Chichewa lyrics into something completely unique.

He writes about artists who are breaking onto the global stage – the ones you’ll hear on international playlists before long – and also those who keep the heartbeat of Malawian tradition alive. Think of the intricate rhythms of malipenga and gule wamkulu, the acoustic guitar picking of rural storytellers, and the bold, brass-led street performances that pull in a crowd wherever they go. It’s this mix of old and new, local and global, that makes Malawi’s sound so exciting – and Lake of Stars is where it all comes together.

What makes this extra special for us is that the story comes from someone who was right here, soaking up the performances, meeting the artists, and feeling the buzz of the crowd. 

We’re hugely grateful to Songlines for helping tell the world about what’s happening here, but the truth is – nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. This year’s Lake of Stars Festival will take place 17–19 October 2025, in the same magical lakeside location where Christopher discovered the music, people, and energy that inspired his article.

So have a read of Music in Malawi, let it whet your appetite, and then grab your ticket. Come and dance barefoot on the sand, discover your new favourite artist, and be part of the story that the world is now talking about.

Because in Malawi, the music doesn’t just play – it stays with you.

Songlines 1

Songlines 2