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

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.