The organisers of the festival, Music Crossroads Malawi have announced that this year’s festival will be free of charge with an aim of opening up to the community to be part of fun.
The festival will be held at Chingalire Cultural Centre in Lilongwe, which is being managed by veteran musician Ben Mankhamba, a traditional leader, the festival has been people paying to make entry to the three-day event but now it will be for free-of-charge.
Mathews Mfune, Music Crossroads Director, on Tuesday said they are dedicating it to the people and, so, it will be free-of- charge. People will be able to watch their favorite artists live and they will be doing it at an open space.
Mfune said they have made headway on preparations for the third edition of the festival, to run from May 25 to 27.
He said they will release the line-up of artists soon. Last year’s line-up was good and they are expecting the same this.
The importance of the festival is to promote and preserve the country’s culture” said Mfune.
He also added that the Ethno Malawi Music Camp will take place at the same venue from May 18 to 27 with eight countries set to participate. The participants are from Jordan, United States of America, Uganda, Zimbabwe, the playing of traditional instruments and then, after the camp, they showcase what they share Moazmbique, Norway, Brazil and Malawi. The participates come together and share ideas on during the Pakhonde Festiva.
Mfune called upon artists in the country to take part in the event, saying it is a good platform for them to interact with international musicians, who are into traditional music, even if they not participants, they can come and watch how others are doing and learn.
Ethno Malawi Music camp came into effect, it has helped to put Malawian music on the world map” said Mfune.
He concluded that, Ethno Malawi is a member of the Ethno Global network of over 30 countries and one of the few in Africa. Through the network, Ethno Malawi is sending local talented musicians to attend other ethnos in Europe, Asia and within Africa and also bringing together international folk musicians to share their rich and diverse musical tradition.
