What Makes a Modern African Music Festival?

Article by: Laura Mason|@masonlazarus

Thu March 20, 2014 | 00:00 AM


Lake of Stars in Malawi is a perfect example of the modern African music festival, overflowing with vibrant, youthful energy, and filled with sizzling performances by eclectic artists. Now in it’s 10th year, the festival has left Lake Malawi to become City of Stars, and that’s where our friends The Fest Gurus traveled for this report.   

The Fest Gurus are four young Africans traveling the continent with their festival bucket list, and sharing their experiences through a web series. As their name implies, they have a lot to teach about the up-and-coming African music festival scene, and they do so as savvy cultural ambassadors. 

As the video explains, "The Lake of Stars Festival is a small one, but it's got a lot of soul." That boutique festival experience has had a big impact, and in 2011 it contributed 1.6 million dollars to the local Malawian economy. However, it’s the little details that make this video magical: we particularly loved the section on festival style, especially those funky kente shoes.

Now where can we get a pair of those again?