Olivier Mtukudzi

Joining us this year is an award-winning Zimbabwean musician, composer and guitarist Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi. He is widely regarded as the most celebrated performer in the country's history, alongside Chimurenga music legend, Thomas Mapfumo and late sungura music pioneer, Leonard Dembo


Gifted with a deep, gutsy voice and a talent for writing songs that reflect on the daily life and struggles of the people of his homeland, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi is one of Zimbabwe’s greatest artists and has become the most recognised voice to emerge from Zimbabwe and the international scene earning a large devoted following across Africa and beyond. His blending of Southern African music traditions, including mbira, mbaqanga, jit, and the traditional drumming styles of the Korekore, has created such a unique sound that it has been respectfully dubbed “Tuku music. A member of Zimbabwe's KoreKore tribe,Nzou Samanyanga as his totem, he sings in the nation's dominant Shona language along with Ndebele and English. Mtukudzi has had a number of tours around the world. He has been on several tours in the UK, USA and Canada to perform for large audiences.

To listen to Olivers Mutkudzi visit www.last.fm/music/Oliver+Mtukudzi

Olivier Mtukudzi

Joining us this year is an award-winning Zimbabwean musician, composer and guitarist Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi. He is widely regarded as the most celebrated performer in the country's history, alongside Chimurenga music legend, Thomas Mapfumo and late sungura music pioneer, Leonard Dembo


Gifted with a deep, gutsy voice and a talent for writing songs that reflect on the daily life and struggles of the people of his homeland, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi is one of Zimbabwe’s greatest artists and has become the most recognised voice to emerge from Zimbabwe and the international scene earning a large devoted following across Africa and beyond. His blending of Southern African music traditions, including mbira, mbaqanga, jit, and the traditional drumming styles of the Korekore, has created such a unique sound that it has been respectfully dubbed “Tuku music. A member of Zimbabwe's KoreKore tribe,Nzou Samanyanga as his totem, he sings in the nation's dominant Shona language along with Ndebele and English. Mtukudzi has had a number of tours around the world. He has been on several tours in the UK, USA and Canada to perform for large audiences.

To listen to Olivers Mutkudzi visit www.last.fm/music/Oliver+Mtukudzi

Safaris in Malawi

Malawi is a place of immense natural beauty and Malawi’s wildlife reserves’ are a prime example of this with miles of unspoilt wilderness where you can literally walk and sleep among the animals. Liwonde National Park (45km from site) has a wide variety of species including Hippos, Elephants, Crocodiles, Buffalo and endangered Black Rhinos. Visitors can choose to stay at the luxurious Mvuu Lodge or Mvuu Camp , where you can camp surrounded by baboons, hippos and other species.

Mvuu Lodge and Camp offer a range of Safaris such as a stunning boat Safari on Lake Malombe where you can get up close and personal with the Hippos and Crocodiles. Another highlight is the Walking Safari where with an extremely knowledgeable guide you can walk around the National Park looking at everything from the ‘sausage’ tree to baby (and not so baby) Elephants. Mvuu also offers the traditional Jeep Safari, however also offers a night Safari where you can witness the beautiful starlight sky.

However if its lions and zebra you’re after you will have to head north the Kazungu National Park and Nkhotakota Reserve. If you head further north you reach the stunning Nyika Plateau in the highlands, and Vwaza Wildlife Reserve in the lowlands.

Check out www.malawitourism.com for more information

http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/

For Tickets:

UK: £75 from STA - no booking fee 0871 230 8581
International: Tickeline
South Africa: Contact your local STA branch

Travel Deals:

Exclusive rates available from the Lake of Stars team at STA Travel
0871 230 8581
lakeofstars@statravel.co.uk

Accommodation:

Lodge accomodation in the area

Contact Saira on blantyre@wilderness.mw
Central African Wilderness Safaris are our travel partners in Malawi. Booking through them will benefit the festival

Camping on site - $10 per person per night.
nkopola@sunbirdmalawi.com

Safaris in Malawi

Malawi is a place of immense natural beauty and Malawi’s wildlife reserves’ are a prime example of this with miles of unspoilt wilderness where you can literally walk and sleep among the animals. Liwonde National Park (45km from site) has a wide variety of species including Hippos, Elephants, Crocodiles, Buffalo and endangered Black Rhinos. Visitors can choose to stay at the luxurious Mvuu Lodge or Mvuu Camp , where you can camp surrounded by baboons, hippos and other species.

Mvuu Lodge and Camp offer a range of Safaris such as a stunning boat Safari on Lake Malombe where you can get up close and personal with the Hippos and Crocodiles. Another highlight is the Walking Safari where with an extremely knowledgeable guide you can walk around the National Park looking at everything from the ‘sausage’ tree to baby (and not so baby) Elephants. Mvuu also offers the traditional Jeep Safari, however also offers a night Safari where you can witness the beautiful starlight sky.

However if its lions and zebra you’re after you will have to head north the Kazungu National Park and Nkhotakota Reserve. If you head further north you reach the stunning Nyika Plateau in the highlands, and Vwaza Wildlife Reserve in the lowlands.

Check out www.malawitourism.com for more information

http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/

For Tickets:

UK: £75 from STA - no booking fee 0871 230 8581
International: Tickeline
South Africa: Contact your local STA branch

Travel Deals:

Exclusive rates available from the Lake of Stars team at STA Travel
0871 230 8581
lakeofstars@statravel.co.uk

Accommodation:

Lodge accomodation in the area

Contact Saira on blantyre@wilderness.mw
Central African Wilderness Safaris are our travel partners in Malawi. Booking through them will benefit the festival

Camping on site - $10 per person per night.
nkopola@sunbirdmalawi.com

vLOS meets The Magic Numbers

vinpsired Lake of Stars was lucky enough to be able to join vinspired at V Festival in Chelmsford this weekend ... and presented a gig at the bus with The Magic Numbers!

Just before they played their exclusive acoustic set, one of our intrepid volunteers got to snatch a few words ...

vinspired Lake of Stars: You’re here to play a little acoustic set for us at the big v bus, have you guys ever done any volunteering before

Angela: I probably have but I don’t really recall it!

Michele: I did a paper round!

Sean: That’s not really volunteering!

A: We have done a lot of charity stuff though.

M: I’ve got a lot of friends who volunteer at a lot of festivals and they always say it’s really cool to work at the festival but also to see a lot of bands. They get to see a side of the festival that we never really see - I really support it and I think it’s a really cool idea actually to get young people to be a part of something that is important in supporting up and coming music and cool bands.

S: I think there’s also a point where there’s a lot of people who are out of work at the moment so I think it’s important for people to get out and get just a little bit of life experience by valuing in something that’s going to help them a lot more than just sitting around on their ass all day!

M: We’ve all done work experience at school and stuff – I worked in a recording studio – and volunteering is similar and really important as it gives you an idea of what you might like to do later on in life, a little taster of what it would be like doing this in the future

vLOS: So you said that you’ve done some charity work in the past – what kind of charity work or volunteering have you done previously?

A: Well when the Haiti earthquake happened we did a gig at the Roundhouse and it was so nice to be there because everyone there had given up their time, no one was getting paid and everyone was doing it for Haiti, for the right reasons and that felt a bit like volunteering. You put yourself out there to do it. There was also an auction going on at the same time on eBay where people could bid for us to play in their house. It’s always nice to do something like that in our free time because you know at the end of the day you’re giving something back.

M: The only way we know how to give anything back is through music – that’s what we know best. We love to involve ourselves in as much charity and volunteer work like that as possible. We’ll always be up for playing the gig and all the money can go towards a given charity.

vLOS: do you think that volunteering is important for young people?

S: As I said before, there’s a lot of people out of work at the moment, especially all these students who come out of university and they can’t get jobs because there aren’t any. Instead of sitting there and taking off the government they should get out there and do some voluntary work because it’s only going to help them.
A: It’s just going to add to all of their experiences.

M: It’s a great way to get involved, especially if it’s something you love. If you love music, volunteering at something like a festival is great.

A: If you’re good at what you’re doing when you’re volunteering it can lead on to great opportunities.

S: It can open more doors for you, it can open your mind to difference things that you may not have been aware of.
V: The gig that you’re about to play for us here at the bus is being presented by vinspired Lake of Stars ,the international music festival in Malawi. So what do you know about vLoS and the work that we do?

S: Anything that’s going to go to the good of people who haven’t got much has to be a great thing.

M: The best part of our day is being on stage with each other and seeing audience
responses, so if that can help any people in any way, we’re up for it.
S: So give us a call!

Romeo hearts vinspired Lake of Stars!

If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

vLOS meets The Magic Numbers

vinpsired Lake of Stars was lucky enough to be able to join vinspired at V Festival in Chelmsford this weekend ... and presented a gig at the bus with The Magic Numbers!

Just before they played their exclusive acoustic set, one of our intrepid volunteers got to snatch a few words ...

vinspired Lake of Stars: You’re here to play a little acoustic set for us at the big v bus, have you guys ever done any volunteering before

Angela: I probably have but I don’t really recall it!

Michele: I did a paper round!

Sean: That’s not really volunteering!

A: We have done a lot of charity stuff though.

M: I’ve got a lot of friends who volunteer at a lot of festivals and they always say it’s really cool to work at the festival but also to see a lot of bands. They get to see a side of the festival that we never really see - I really support it and I think it’s a really cool idea actually to get young people to be a part of something that is important in supporting up and coming music and cool bands.

S: I think there’s also a point where there’s a lot of people who are out of work at the moment so I think it’s important for people to get out and get just a little bit of life experience by valuing in something that’s going to help them a lot more than just sitting around on their ass all day!

M: We’ve all done work experience at school and stuff – I worked in a recording studio – and volunteering is similar and really important as it gives you an idea of what you might like to do later on in life, a little taster of what it would be like doing this in the future

vLOS: So you said that you’ve done some charity work in the past – what kind of charity work or volunteering have you done previously?

A: Well when the Haiti earthquake happened we did a gig at the Roundhouse and it was so nice to be there because everyone there had given up their time, no one was getting paid and everyone was doing it for Haiti, for the right reasons and that felt a bit like volunteering. You put yourself out there to do it. There was also an auction going on at the same time on eBay where people could bid for us to play in their house. It’s always nice to do something like that in our free time because you know at the end of the day you’re giving something back.

M: The only way we know how to give anything back is through music – that’s what we know best. We love to involve ourselves in as much charity and volunteer work like that as possible. We’ll always be up for playing the gig and all the money can go towards a given charity.

vLOS: do you think that volunteering is important for young people?

S: As I said before, there’s a lot of people out of work at the moment, especially all these students who come out of university and they can’t get jobs because there aren’t any. Instead of sitting there and taking off the government they should get out there and do some voluntary work because it’s only going to help them.
A: It’s just going to add to all of their experiences.

M: It’s a great way to get involved, especially if it’s something you love. If you love music, volunteering at something like a festival is great.

A: If you’re good at what you’re doing when you’re volunteering it can lead on to great opportunities.

S: It can open more doors for you, it can open your mind to difference things that you may not have been aware of.
V: The gig that you’re about to play for us here at the bus is being presented by vinspired Lake of Stars ,the international music festival in Malawi. So what do you know about vLoS and the work that we do?

S: Anything that’s going to go to the good of people who haven’t got much has to be a great thing.

M: The best part of our day is being on stage with each other and seeing audience
responses, so if that can help any people in any way, we’re up for it.
S: So give us a call!

Romeo hearts vinspired Lake of Stars!

If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Disco Benga!

Those listening to the album Muungwana (CBS ACP-CBS 1203), by Kenya's Sylvester Odhiambo & the Ambira Boys, may be reminded of the 1973 smash "Lunch Time" and other hit records by Gabriel Omolo & his Apollo Komesha. That's not surprising, as according to the liner notes Mr. Odhiambo sang on many of those recordings.

I have no idea what Mr. Odhiambo is singing about here (no doubt in keeping with Kenyan fashion the lyrics are pithy and ironic), but Muungwana is an infectious example of mid-'80s Swahili benga - propulsive, fast-moving, the synthesizer giving the music a sophisticated "disco" sheen. Enjoy!

Sylvester Odhiambo & the Ambira Boys - Muungwana

Sylvester Odhiambo & the Ambira Boys - Tumbo Na Njaa

Sylvester Odhiambo & the Ambira Boys - Baba Pombe

Sylvester Odhiambo & the Ambira Boys - Mary Mami

Sylvester Odhiambo & the Ambira Boys - Ten Commandments

Download Muungwana as a zipped file here. "Lunch Time" and other recordings by Gabriel Omolo & the Apollo Komesha, featuring Sylvester Odhiambo on vocals, may be found on the compilation Kenya Dance Mania (Sterns/Earthworks STEW 24CD), and I posted the flip side of "Lunch Time" here.

From Congo via Nigeria

Priscilla tells me that in the 1970s, when she was a girl in Awo-Omamma, Nigeria, the family used to sit around the short-wave radio almost every night to catch the broadcasts from Radio Brazzaville. I imagine the music they heard sounded an awful lot like the contents of Music from Zaire Vol. 6 (Soundpoint SOP 044, 1978), today's featured recording.

Congo music, of course, was huge in the 1970s all over Africa, and especially in Eastern Nigeria, where it sparked the development of a whole new genre of guitar-based highlife music exemplified by Oliver de Coque, the Oriental Brothers and their many imitators and camp-followers. The numerous Nigerian pressings of Congo music that were made in the '70s feature the musicians that influenced this trend, in the case of Music From Zaire Vol. 6 the artists in Kiamuangana Verckys' stable like Orchestres Kiam, Lipua-Lipua and Cavacha. The music echoes down through the years. I was amazed, on viewing a video of my father-in-law's funeral, made in 1998, to hear an Igbo-language version of Lipua-Lipua's "Nouvelle Generation" played by one of the local bands. No doubt you could hear the same thing in Yaoundé or the backwoods of Kenya - truly it's one of the most influential African songs of all time.

As much of this music is already available through many reissues and postings on the internet, I was hesitant to tack it up here. But recently both Worldservice and Global Groove posted Stars From Zaire Vol. 4 (Soundpoint SOP 042), another installment in the series. That got me to thinking: Is there something about these particular Nigerian pressings that makes them unique? I think so. For one thing, as Worldservice points out, there is a tendency to not include the slower "A" sides of the various recordings and go directly to the big payoff: the "sebene," the faster, more improvisatory second half. This structure is typical of Igbo guitar highlife recordings of the '70s and '80s as well. Just listen to Oliver de Coque or Kabaka and compare them to Music From Zaire Vol. 6 and see what I mean!

The picture of the Yoruba drummers on the back of the record is also interesting:

Here, then, is the music. Just sit back and imagine you're listening to a shortwave radio in Awo-Omamma, Nigeria in the '70s . . .

Orchestre Kiam - Baya-Baya Pt. 2

Orchestre Lipua-Lipua - Mombasa Pt. 2

Orchestre Lipua-Lipua - Tika Kosaboter Motema

Orchestre Lipua-Lipua - Kuelo

Orchestre Lipua-Lipua - Nouvelle Generation Pts. 1 & 2

Orchestre Bella-Bella - Mwana Yoka Toli

Orchestre Cavacha - Shama Shama Pt. 2

I believe track 6, "Mwana Yoka Toli," was misattributed on the album sleeve. I'm following the liner notes of Jeunes Orchestres Zaïrois 1971/1973/1974/1975 (Sonodisc CD 36517, 1992) and crediting it to Orchestre Bella-Bella. To download Music from Zaire Vol. 6 as a zipped file go here, and following Worldservice's example, I'm making the "complete" versions of "Baya-Baya," "Mombasa" and "Shama Shama" available here. I'll probably be posting more of these Nigerian pressings of Congo music in the future.

Benin (The Empire, Not the Country)

Back in Eighth Grade, my Social Studies class was given one of those typical assignments where we were supposed to pick out some country and write a report about it. Most of the kids picked well-known countries (I chose Austria), but one young lady, Susan Norman, chose the West African nation of Dahomey.

"Dahomey? Are you kidding?" our teacher Mr. Vezie sneered, no doubt thinking that Susan chose this obscure country to get out of doing a lot of work on the project, but she was adamant.

What does this have to do with the subject of today's post? Well, nothing, really, except that in 1975 the Republic of Dahomey changed its name to the Republic of Benin, after the Bight of Benin, which in turn was named after the Benin Empire, a powerful entity that existed from 1440 to 1897 in what is today Nigeria. "Benin" is a Portuguese corruption of "Ubinu," the administrative center of the Empire, which is today called Benin City, capital of Edo State.

Dahomey's rechristening in 1975 has caused no end of confusion ever since, so to clarify things: Benin City (& hence the historical Benin Empire) is approximately 250 miles east of Porto Novo, capital of the present-day Republic of Benin. The two entities have no historical connection! The map at right shows the sphere of influence of the Benin Empire at the height of its power. To further muddy the waters there was once another "Republic of Benin," which was established by retreating Biafran troops in the early days of the Nigerian civil war (see map below, from John de St. Jorre's Nigerian Civil War, Hodder & Stoughton, 1972, click to enlarge). This historical curiosity was proclaimed at 7 a.m. on September 20, 1967 and collapsed eight hours later!

The Benin Empire encompassed Ijaws, Igbos, Itsekitris and Urhobos, among other groups, but the Edo people constituted the core of the nation. Even today they are celebrated for their artwork, a sample of which is at the top of this post. Much of this was destroyed when Benin City was captured by the British in 1897, and much of the remainder was dispersed around the world. Today Benin City is renowned as a center of education and culture in Nigeria.

All of this exposition is by way of making up for the fact that I can't tell you a whole lot about today's featured artists. While Victor Uwaifo is justly famed as Benin City's foremost musical exemplar, the area has produced numerous other talents, like Patrick Idahosa, who had a similar sound. I can't say much about him, but among Edo musicians he was probably second only to Uwaifo in popularity during his heyday of the '70s and '80s. In the late '90s, Mossiac Records of New York released a CD compilation (Mossiac MMCD 0302) of his greatest hits, from which the following are taken:

Patrick Idahosa & his African Sound Makers - United Brothers

Patrick Idahosa & his African Sound Makers - Tamoubiyememwsm

Patrick Idahosa & his African Sound Makers - Tamiyaregbe

The Amunataba Dance Band are similarly obscure to me, but what a fine album Akenzua (Mikii MAK 504, 1978) is! Sweet guitar highlife in the Peacocks mode, and isn't the front cover great?

Amunataba Dance Band - Eronmwon

Amunataba Dance Band - Akenzua



Willy Adamosa Osagiede got in touch with me many years ago, and even sent me a CD of his recent recordings. Like all of the musicians here, he was most popular in the '70s and '80s. He's presently based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and you can access his MySpace page here. Here are some tracks from his 1976 LP Ukpakon (Afrodisia DWAPS 70):

Adamosa Osagiede & his International Band - Amayamwen Nue

Adamosa Osagiede & his International Band - Igho Nogie

Adamosa Osagiede & his International Band - Wa Gha Hio



Osayomore Joseph's Afro-funk sound has recently drawn some notice thanks to his contribution to the recent Soundway compilation Nigeria Special. Here's a song from his 1982 LP Ulele in Transit (Emotan EMOLP 01):

Osayomore Joseph & the Ulele Power Sound - Efewedo



And here's one from another 1982 album Over the Bar. . . I Beg You . . . (Emotan EMOLP 02):

Osayomore Joseph & his Ulele Power Sound - Alele



Winding things down in style with Idemudia Cole's Talents of Benin, whose Talents of Benin Vol. 5 (Shanu Olu SOS 127, 1981) is as wonderful an example of Edo highlife as you'll ever find:

The Talents of Benin - Ovbiokhokho

vinspired Lake of Stars hit Union Chapel

Noisettes warm up for Lake of Stars with a sizzling show at Islington’s Union Chapel

Noisettes set a foot-stomping, tongue-clicking, stage-invading tone tonight that brought the warm heart of Africa to Islington in advance of October’s vinspired Lake of Stars festival in Malawi.

In the hallowed surroundings of the Union Chapel, Noisettes frontwoman Shingai Shoniwa shimmered, strutted and swung her way through a spine-tingling set. She opened by flinging off her shoes and closed it, clad in a gold sequinned catsuit, perched perilously atop the stone pulpit on the rose-strewn stage (Health and Safety Executive of Malawi, beware).

In between, festooned in white feathers and a covetous golden headdress, Shingai invited onstage her 16 year-old (and, you heard it here first, prodigiously talented) brother Kwayedza, to duet, Dave from The Invisibles to guest on guitar, and later, her mother, aunt and every willing audience member to join her in a riotous, African-infused encore.

Shingai revealed a personal reason for wanting to headline this year’s vinspired Lake of Stars – the band’s first ever gig in Africa. “For me, it feels like a homecoming gig because my grandmother is from Malawi, and I went to live there for a while when I was younger,” she said. “I’m really excited to play there. Sometimes it’s nice to send a message out to those kids to say that everyone deserves to hear great live music.”

vinspired Lake of Stars mixes UK and African bands and artists and last night was no different; one of Zimbabwe’s most popular indie-pop acts – who will also be headlining at the festival – Tinashé, supported Noisettes and garnered a new crop of fans in the process. The feeling was mutual: “It was the best gig I have ever played in my entire life,” Tinashe enthused. “And I can’t wait for Lake of Stars – I’ve always wanted to play it. I sought them out, rather than the other way around, as I wanted to perform there so much.”

Tinashé also brought along some friends, including Pearl, from Pearl and the Puppets, whose acoustic Martha Wainwright-esque vocals on a cover of Bon Iver’s ‘Skinny Love’ sent the first of many shivers down the crowd’s collective spine.

The Noisettes’ infectious, upbeat sound has successfully penetrated the British music scene with dizzying speed in the past two years. The group are fresh from their sell-out UK tour, and are renowned the world over for their explosive live shows and electrifying vocals.

Last night was an especially inspiring gig for both the Noisettes and Tinashé, who have roots in Malawi and neighbouring Zimbabwe and will join thousands of festival-goers from all over the globe travelling to Africa this October for this year’s vinspired Lake of Stars Festival.

vinspired Lake of Stars will once again take place on the beautiful palm-fringed shores of Lake Malawi at the Sunbird Nkopola Lodge near Mangochi, from 15th – 17th October 2010. For more information and announcements see www.lakeofstars.org.

www.vinspired.com

vinspired Lake of Stars hit Union Chapel

Noisettes warm up for Lake of Stars with a sizzling show at Islington’s Union Chapel

Noisettes set a foot-stomping, tongue-clicking, stage-invading tone tonight that brought the warm heart of Africa to Islington in advance of October’s vinspired Lake of Stars festival in Malawi.

In the hallowed surroundings of the Union Chapel, Noisettes frontwoman Shingai Shoniwa shimmered, strutted and swung her way through a spine-tingling set. She opened by flinging off her shoes and closed it, clad in a gold sequinned catsuit, perched perilously atop the stone pulpit on the rose-strewn stage (Health and Safety Executive of Malawi, beware).

In between, festooned in white feathers and a covetous golden headdress, Shingai invited onstage her 16 year-old (and, you heard it here first, prodigiously talented) brother Kwayedza, to duet, Dave from The Invisibles to guest on guitar, and later, her mother, aunt and every willing audience member to join her in a riotous, African-infused encore.

Shingai revealed a personal reason for wanting to headline this year’s vinspired Lake of Stars – the band’s first ever gig in Africa. “For me, it feels like a homecoming gig because my grandmother is from Malawi, and I went to live there for a while when I was younger,” she said. “I’m really excited to play there. Sometimes it’s nice to send a message out to those kids to say that everyone deserves to hear great live music.”

vinspired Lake of Stars mixes UK and African bands and artists and last night was no different; one of Zimbabwe’s most popular indie-pop acts – who will also be headlining at the festival – Tinashé, supported Noisettes and garnered a new crop of fans in the process. The feeling was mutual: “It was the best gig I have ever played in my entire life,” Tinashe enthused. “And I can’t wait for Lake of Stars – I’ve always wanted to play it. I sought them out, rather than the other way around, as I wanted to perform there so much.”

Tinashé also brought along some friends, including Pearl, from Pearl and the Puppets, whose acoustic Martha Wainwright-esque vocals on a cover of Bon Iver’s ‘Skinny Love’ sent the first of many shivers down the crowd’s collective spine.

The Noisettes’ infectious, upbeat sound has successfully penetrated the British music scene with dizzying speed in the past two years. The group are fresh from their sell-out UK tour, and are renowned the world over for their explosive live shows and electrifying vocals.

Last night was an especially inspiring gig for both the Noisettes and Tinashé, who have roots in Malawi and neighbouring Zimbabwe and will join thousands of festival-goers from all over the globe travelling to Africa this October for this year’s vinspired Lake of Stars Festival.

vinspired Lake of Stars will once again take place on the beautiful palm-fringed shores of Lake Malawi at the Sunbird Nkopola Lodge near Mangochi, from 15th – 17th October 2010. For more information and announcements see www.lakeofstars.org.

www.vinspired.com

Beaches and Islands in Malawi

Our festival is held on the beautiful palm fringed white sandy shores of Lake Malawi, however if you fancy a relaxing couple of days after the festival, Malawi has many more beautiful beach locations and secluded Islands for you to explore.

Cape Maclear (30km from site) is the backpacker capital of Malawi with a range of lodges and campsites to suit all tastes and budgets. 4km of the main road Cape Maclear is a functioning and expanding Malawian village with local school, hospital, market and its own club! Cape Maclear also hosts a Chinese Takeaway and a traditional English Pub along with many bars hosting pre and post Lake of Stars parties. Many Lodges such as the Gecko Lounge have their own secluded beaches; however the fisherman’s beach is just as beautiful (if a bit smelly).


Malawi is also host to many beautiful and luxurious Islands off the main shore. Likoma Island (250km from site) is a particular favourite of many. Being closer to the Mozambican shore than Malawi it is a unique experience. To get to Likoma there are many forms of transport from a private yacht to the famous steamboat the Illala from Monkey Bay (30km from Site). On Likoma visitors can choose to stay at the luxurious Kaya Mawa , the perfect romantic getaway, or Mango Drift Backpackers Lodge which in an excellent spot for diving.




Check out http://www.malawitourism.com/ for more information

Beaches and Islands in Malawi

Our festival is held on the beautiful palm fringed white sandy shores of Lake Malawi, however if you fancy a relaxing couple of days after the festival, Malawi has many more beautiful beach locations and secluded Islands for you to explore.

Cape Maclear (30km from site) is the backpacker capital of Malawi with a range of lodges and campsites to suit all tastes and budgets. 4km of the main road Cape Maclear is a functioning and expanding Malawian village with local school, hospital, market and its own club! Cape Maclear also hosts a Chinese Takeaway and a traditional English Pub along with many bars hosting pre and post Lake of Stars parties. Many Lodges such as the Gecko Lounge have their own secluded beaches; however the fisherman’s beach is just as beautiful (if a bit smelly).


Malawi is also host to many beautiful and luxurious Islands off the main shore. Likoma Island (250km from site) is a particular favourite of many. Being closer to the Mozambican shore than Malawi it is a unique experience. To get to Likoma there are many forms of transport from a private yacht to the famous steamboat the Illala from Monkey Bay (30km from Site). On Likoma visitors can choose to stay at the luxurious Kaya Mawa , the perfect romantic getaway, or Mango Drift Backpackers Lodge which in an excellent spot for diving.




Check out http://www.malawitourism.com/ for more information

Meet the Promo Team

Here are some more of our brilliant volunteers. See what they have to say for themselves.

Lauren Creed

What made you want to get involved with vinspired Lake of Stars?

I heard of vinspired Lake of Stars through a friend who was already involved and thought the festival sounded amazing and that joining the team would be a great way to gain further experience in music events.

What do you do for vinspired Lake of Stars?

As part of the Promotions Team at vinspired Lake of Stars, I help to promote the festival and related events in various ways, from digital marketing to simply talking to people at festivals and events around London. Our team develops creative ways to generate interest in vinspired Lake of Stars festival and the wider issues behind the idea.

What are your thoughts about volunteering?

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain skills and confidence in a working environment, whilst doing something really valuable. As a graduate in the recession, the difficult struggle for jobs and success can be disheartening. By giving up time and energy in return for rewards greater than just money, volunteering helps young people to reassess their values and strengths.

What do you feel you will gain from this experience?

I hope to have a great summer with vinspired Lake of Stars, developing skills and confidence to get involved with other projects after. Hopefully, come October I will be able to see that our small team of volunteers has really contributed to getting the interest and acknowledgement this festival really deserves.

Hayaad

What made you want to get involved with vinspired Lake of Stars?

Being a recent graduate I was looking to gain some marketing experience whilst working for a fascinating project. And vinspired Lake of Stars ticked both of these boxes. It is an amazing project run by volunteers and it is not your typical musical festival.

What do you do for vinspired Lake of Stars?

I am part of the promotional team who get the message of vinspired Lake of Stars festival out. We tend to use various channels to get the message across effectively.

What are your thoughts about volunteering?

If you asked me a year ago if I would ever be a volunteer, I probably would have said ‘no’. But I have now learned that volunteering is a great experience and also allows you to make new friends, whilst gaining new skills and doing something constructive.

What do you feel you will gain from this experience?

I believe that I can gain new skills from this experience and I can begin to understand how an international music festival is effectively run. I also believe that my CV would benefit immensely due to my volunteering experience at vinspired Lake of Stars.