The NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival 2025 expected to begin this Friday in Lilongwe has been described as a great platform for upcoming young creatives to connect with industry experts and learn new skills from international artists.

Malawi’s celebrated film actor, Tumpe Mtaya popularly known as Phwedo made the remarks on the sidelines of the arrival of the South Africa and Zambian groups a head of their performance at the festival slated for Friday, February 7 to Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe. 

‘’Having international visitors from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia, makes this festival an important platform for young people in Malawi especially those starting out career in stage acting and physical theatre to learn new skills and exchange knowledge. Malawian young people will be able to watch and learn how friends in developed art industries compose their poems, stage acting, physical theatre, as you know Malawi is a bit behind in this area. So, combining their skills with what they will learn, they can become competitive at international level.’’ Tumpe explained, adding that the event could as well lead to future and exchange 

Sharing on positive developments in Malawi creative sector, Tumpe expressed that the local industry is growing and artisits are beginning to earn good income out of their work through paid gigs and loyalties. He added earnings from Blank Media Levy, growth of Film Association of Malawi (FAMA), availability of project grants and the recent passing of NAHEC Bill gives hope to the local creatives. 

‘’So, this is the time for Malawian youths to be serious with their artisitic skills and take part in the sector to enjoy the benefits. But, taking art seriously, also goes with learning from the best. This is why I am encouraging all local creatives to come to this festival so that we can learn from international creatives so that Malawian art can also do much better on the international scene.’’ emphasised Tumpe

   

He continued ‘’It is through local festival like this, upcoming artists learn new skills and opportunities to collaborate with those who can help to grow their skills. So, if you are an actor, aspiring to be an actor please buy the ticket because these are places where you get connections with directors, producers and others in the industry.’’ 

Linga Creatives Director who is the Artists Coordinator and Liaison Officer for the NASFEST, Shafiq Kalumo said in addition to watching international productions, people should expect even more from the fresh talent Malawi has.

‘’Some of the performances are from local secondary school students and productions from young people who are doing amazing things but have limited exposure. Through the festival we are fostering artistic growth and skills development among young participants. By providing a platform for secondary school students and youth groups to showcase their talents in drama, music, dance, poetry, film, and literature, NASFEST encourages creativity and enhances participants' confidence but also improve their teamwork and communication skills, essential for future personal and professional endeavors.’’ Said Kalumo 

Standard ticket to the festival is going at K5,000 while VIP ticket is pegged at K10,000 and Ticket for the Double is going at K15,000.

South African group jets in Malawi for NASFEST Youth Cultural Festival

Siyathandisa Theatre Work group welcomed
at KIA by film actor 'Phwedo'
& NASFEST team

A group of young artists from South Africa, Siyathandisa Theatre Work has arrived in the country ahead of their performance at the NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival 2025 slated for Friday, February 7 to Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe.

The festival, provides a vibrant platform for young performers to showcase their theatrical and artistic talents, encourage creative expression and cultural exchange, bringing together youths and students from different communities and secondary schools across Malawi and Southern Africa.

Upon arrival at Kamuzu International Airport, Aaron Tywabi, leader of Siyathandisa Theatre Work expressed their excitement to be in Malawi and promised to showcase a unique production.

“We are fully prepared and we are bringing a nice piece performed only once on 29^th June 2024 in South Africa. So, this is going to be a second time to be perform this production called Mirrors, written and directed by Aaron” he said

Two ladies from Siyathandisa Theatre Work joins 
a traditional welcome perfomed by
MALIBOSS Theatre

The group from the rainbow nation, was welcomed by the Malawi’s celebrated film actor, Phwedo whose real name is Tumpe Mtaya and Likuni Boys Secondary School theatre group popularly known as MALIBOSS Theatre.

Linga Creatives Director who is the Artists Coordinator and Liaison Officer for the NASFEST, Shafiq Kalumo said the arrival of the group from South Africa is an exciting and a milestone as the event has managed to include and bring young people from South Africa to perform at the event.

‘’Some people were worried and not sure if indeed NASFEST would bring people from South Africa to perform at this years event, but now they can see for themselves that they are right here in Malawi and this means the festival has begun because beginning tomorrow we are going to start tours for schools to allow students in arts to interact with these artists as we wait for actual performances on Friday up to Sunday at Madsoc Theatre.’’ Explained Kalumo

He shared that there are other groups expected to arrive from neighboring countries like Zambia who are bringing different types of perfomances including theatrical poetry, drama, dance among others.

Siyathandisa Theatre Work, MALIBOSS Theatre, 
and NASFEST team in group photo

‘’This edition of NASFEST, people should expect something different and better. We therefore encourage people to come and see what NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival for this year will look like.’’ promised Kalumo

The NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival is annual flagship event run by Light of Youth Creative Organization (LYCO) in order to promote artistic growth, collaboration, and a love for the performing arts among schools and youth groups, while also fostering community, skill development, and an appreciation for dramatic arts.

This 17^th edition of the festival will include a variety of activities, such as training workshops, cultural interface meetings, visual arts exhibitions, visual arts, cultural and contemporary dances, storytelling, and competitions in drama, music, poetry, film screening, and literature. It will culminate into an awards presentation ceremony, recognizing outstanding performances and achievements.

In the context of Malawi and Southern Africa, the festival highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern artistic expressions. Also, the presence of inspirational role models, partner organizations, and high-profile officials from various sectors, including the government, adds prestige to the event and encourages young people to appreciate their artistic and cultural talents.