LAKE OF STARS 6th OCTOBER


vinspired Lake of Stars is back again for another residency slot at Rich Mix on Wednesday October 6, bringing you yet more FREE music with added comedy for good measure.

Cousin Avi

Closing procedures and likely to get the whole place dancing are Cousin Avi. The pop-funk outfit will be picking up the pace with their stylish grooves ensuring that the night culminates with a positive energy and in high spirits.

http://www..myspace.com/cousinavimusic

Nate James

The MOBO-nominated artist will be bringing his lush and masterful brand of Soul. Notorious for taking an individualistic route, the singer-songwriter is fiercely independent, never having signed away the copyright for any of his recordings, releasing his music instead through his own Frofunk label. His experience performing alongside the likes of Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae and John Legend means that he's sure to put on a memorable performance.


 http://www.myspace.com/thenatejames

Tommy Ludgate

Bringing her rich, dulcet sounds to Rich Mix Free is the bluesy pop songstress Tommy Ludgate. Her funk-infused soul numbers make her an essential choice for the night's line-up. Listen below for an interview about the evening with both her and Sarah Grace.

http://www.myspace.com/tommyludgate

Sarah Grace

Acoustic soul-seeker, Sarah Grace knows exactly how to impress a London crowd having played the circuit extensively since arriving here from Manchester. Be sure to check out her emotionally gripping melodies and tender ballads.

http://www.myspace.com/sarahgraceband 

Laura Lexx

Compering for the night and providing comic relief will be Chortle finalist Laura Lexx. Laura has already impressed comedy fans with her enthusiastic performances, enough to earn comparisons to Lucy Porter and perform on bills starring Richard Herring and Simon Munnery.

http://www.lauralexx.co.uk/

Fittingly, all of this FREE music will be complimented by funk, jazz and soul aficionado, DJ Strutter Brown on the decks and stalls selling feather jewellery, hand-painted tattoos and hand-made books.

Have a listen to what Tommy Ludgate and Sarah Grace had to say when we had a little interview with them.
Globe Jam Interview by LakeofStars

LAKE OF STARS 6th OCTOBER


vinspired Lake of Stars is back again for another residency slot at Rich Mix on Wednesday October 6, bringing you yet more FREE music with added comedy for good measure.

Cousin Avi

Closing procedures and likely to get the whole place dancing are Cousin Avi. The pop-funk outfit will be picking up the pace with their stylish grooves ensuring that the night culminates with a positive energy and in high spirits.

http://www..myspace.com/cousinavimusic

Nate James

The MOBO-nominated artist will be bringing his lush and masterful brand of Soul. Notorious for taking an individualistic route, the singer-songwriter is fiercely independent, never having signed away the copyright for any of his recordings, releasing his music instead through his own Frofunk label. His experience performing alongside the likes of Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae and John Legend means that he's sure to put on a memorable performance.


 http://www.myspace.com/thenatejames

Tommy Ludgate

Bringing her rich, dulcet sounds to Rich Mix Free is the bluesy pop songstress Tommy Ludgate. Her funk-infused soul numbers make her an essential choice for the night's line-up. Listen below for an interview about the evening with both her and Sarah Grace.

http://www.myspace.com/tommyludgate

Sarah Grace

Acoustic soul-seeker, Sarah Grace knows exactly how to impress a London crowd having played the circuit extensively since arriving here from Manchester. Be sure to check out her emotionally gripping melodies and tender ballads.

http://www.myspace.com/sarahgraceband 

Laura Lexx

Compering for the night and providing comic relief will be Chortle finalist Laura Lexx. Laura has already impressed comedy fans with her enthusiastic performances, enough to earn comparisons to Lucy Porter and perform on bills starring Richard Herring and Simon Munnery.

http://www.lauralexx.co.uk/

Fittingly, all of this FREE music will be complimented by funk, jazz and soul aficionado, DJ Strutter Brown on the decks and stalls selling feather jewellery, hand-painted tattoos and hand-made books.

Have a listen to what Tommy Ludgate and Sarah Grace had to say when we had a little interview with them.
Globe Jam Interview by LakeofStars

More Desert Island Music

Given that he's one of the most illustrious Congolese musicians of his generation, information about Côme Moutouari, better known as Kosmos, is a bit hard to come by. I know that he's one of a trio of musical brothers (the others being Michel and Pierre Moutouari), that he got started in the '60s with the legendary Bantous de la Capitale in Brazzaville, that he left that congregation in the '70s with Pamelo Mounk'a and Celio to form Trio Ce.Pa.Kos and Orchestre le Peuple, and that in the '80s he recorded a series of solo LPs that are some of finest Congo recordings of that golden decade.

Of these, Ba Camarades (Safari Sound SAS 040, ca. 1983) is true "desert island music" that stands as a distillation of all that was great about '80s Congo music: the sweeping guitar filigrees, the understated horns and above all, Kosmos's lovely voice. They sure don't make records like this any more!

Kosmos - Ba Camarades

Kosmos - Madou Sesselesse

Kosmos - Tabali

Kosmos - Liberte

Download Ba Camarades as a zipped file here. Here are some earlier recordings by Kosmos that I took from the compilation CD Best of Kosmos Vol. 2 (Glenn Music GM 324008, 1995). The song translations are from the liner notes. "Miléna," recorded with Bantous de la Capitale, is one of Kosmos' best loved songs. In it the singer recounts the pain his love for Miléna is causing him: "They make me suffer for loving you. I didn't know that my mother-in-law was a merchant of children. She wants me to give her all of the money I make. Oh mother-in-law, please don't tell Miléna to give my child to a man richer than me":

Bantous de la Capitale - Miléna

In "Kamwiya" Kosmos and Pamelo Mounk'a sing, "You are losing your way. Bring your heart back to its place. I love you but don't come to me because of bad advice. Don't lose the light of my love. I'm fed up with that suffering":

Trio Ce.Pa.Kos - Kamwiya

"Milla, I've heard something horrible. Tomorrow you're flying to a foreign country. Where you are going there are a lot of men. I am afraid you will forget me. I am crying. You leave me with a wound that can only be healed by your return":

Le Peuple - Milla

MistaJam

Last week the vinspired Lake of Stars team were fortunate enough to meet up with the much admired Radio 1 DJ MistaJam to find out his feelings on the upcoming festival. The self accredited ‘musical magpie’ is known for his seamless blending of diverse genres: from Grime to Dubstep, Drum N Bass to Dancehall. If a tracks any good, the chances are you’ll hear it in one of his dynamic sets. Considered one the go-to-guys for introducing new acts to British audiences, we’re ecstatic to have the man seen by many as the future of British radio as a headliner this year. Check out what he had to say about the upcoming festival!



MistaJam set to make waves in Malawi but he has not forgotten his UK contingent. He has given us a pair of tickets to his very special Speakerbox Tour at the Coronet Theatre this Friday the 24th of September! The catch!?... You have to be aged between 16-19. Time for the vinspired Lake of Stars young guns to step up! To have a chance of getting hold of the tickets you need to answer this question:

Name one other Radio One DJ that has played at the vinspired Lake of Stars festival? Tip: watch the interview

Email your answers to matt@lakeofstars.org and winners shall be selected at random. Remember this is not for the oldies! And by old I mean over 19. All entries must be submitted by 12pm on Friday 24th September.

MistaJam

Last week the vinspired Lake of Stars team were fortunate enough to meet up with the much admired Radio 1 DJ MistaJam to find out his feelings on the upcoming festival. The self accredited ‘musical magpie’ is known for his seamless blending of diverse genres: from Grime to Dubstep, Drum N Bass to Dancehall. If a tracks any good, the chances are you’ll hear it in one of his dynamic sets. Considered one the go-to-guys for introducing new acts to British audiences, we’re ecstatic to have the man seen by many as the future of British radio as a headliner this year. Check out what he had to say about the upcoming festival!



MistaJam set to make waves in Malawi but he has not forgotten his UK contingent. He has given us a pair of tickets to his very special Speakerbox Tour at the Coronet Theatre this Friday the 24th of September! The catch!?... You have to be aged between 16-19. Time for the vinspired Lake of Stars young guns to step up! To have a chance of getting hold of the tickets you need to answer this question:

Name one other Radio One DJ that has played at the vinspired Lake of Stars festival? Tip: watch the interview

Email your answers to matt@lakeofstars.org and winners shall be selected at random. Remember this is not for the oldies! And by old I mean over 19. All entries must be submitted by 12pm on Friday 24th September.

Khethi

Khethi is a young South African singer/songwriter who blends hip hop with African soul and jazzy blues notes, creating her own form on ‘Afro-Soul-Jazz’. Khethi brings her social activist toolbox along to create songs for upliftment and awareness. Khethi has a strong connection to the vinspired Lake of Stars, having performed in 2006. Her debut album ‘Exemplify’, partly produced by Malawi’s own Q Malewezi and is released in October, just in time for the festival.



For more info on Khethi check out: http://www.khethi.com

Khethi

Khethi is a young South African singer/songwriter who blends hip hop with African soul and jazzy blues notes, creating her own form on ‘Afro-Soul-Jazz’. Khethi brings her social activist toolbox along to create songs for upliftment and awareness. Khethi has a strong connection to the vinspired Lake of Stars, having performed in 2006. Her debut album ‘Exemplify’, partly produced by Malawi’s own Q Malewezi and is released in October, just in time for the festival.



For more info on Khethi check out: http://www.khethi.com

Sally Nyundo

Sally Nyundo

Malawi’s home grown Sally Nyundo first started out his musical career in 1994 with Imagez Band. He recorded his first solo album ‘Nyimbo’ in 2000 with one of the songs, Rasi Amadya Nzimbe (Rastas Eat Sugarcane), becoming a national anthem and a positive boom for the Rasta community.



Sally’s music is timeless and has led to his recognition as one of Malawi’s best reggae artists. Sally has worked with a lot of musicians and groups, both local and international. He’s performed with legends; Iboo Crooper former keyboardist of Third World, Tiken Jah fakoly from Ivory Coast, Israel Vibrations from Jamaica, Baobab from France just to mention a few on the international scene. Locally he has played with artists Evison Matafale, San B, Ben Michael and The Black Missionaries Band.






Sally continues to grow as a great reggae artist Malawi is proud of. His live performances have massive vibrancy and his rapport with fansleaves everybody asking for more while the message in the music has won the hearts of many. Sally is a skilled musician who plays guitar, keyboard and drums. As an all-round artist he is also an accomplished actor. When not making music he paints, designs clothes, accessories (like his famous hats!) and even has a keen eye for interior decorating. Sally is conscious, humble and patient with his career. As a musician he has a true and deep passion for playing Reggae music, which Lake of Stars festival goers will luckily get the chance to see.

For more info on Sally Nyundo visit: http://www.janddrecordcompany.com/2008albums/sallynyundofeb.html

Sally Nyundo

Sally Nyundo

Malawi’s home grown Sally Nyundo first started out his musical career in 1994 with Imagez Band. He recorded his first solo album ‘Nyimbo’ in 2000 with one of the songs, Rasi Amadya Nzimbe (Rastas Eat Sugarcane), becoming a national anthem and a positive boom for the Rasta community.



Sally’s music is timeless and has led to his recognition as one of Malawi’s best reggae artists. Sally has worked with a lot of musicians and groups, both local and international. He’s performed with legends; Iboo Crooper former keyboardist of Third World, Tiken Jah fakoly from Ivory Coast, Israel Vibrations from Jamaica, Baobab from France just to mention a few on the international scene. Locally he has played with artists Evison Matafale, San B, Ben Michael and The Black Missionaries Band.






Sally continues to grow as a great reggae artist Malawi is proud of. His live performances have massive vibrancy and his rapport with fansleaves everybody asking for more while the message in the music has won the hearts of many. Sally is a skilled musician who plays guitar, keyboard and drums. As an all-round artist he is also an accomplished actor. When not making music he paints, designs clothes, accessories (like his famous hats!) and even has a keen eye for interior decorating. Sally is conscious, humble and patient with his career. As a musician he has a true and deep passion for playing Reggae music, which Lake of Stars festival goers will luckily get the chance to see.

For more info on Sally Nyundo visit: http://www.janddrecordcompany.com/2008albums/sallynyundofeb.html

Another Rockin' One-Off

Roaring out of Kinshasa by way of Paris with drum machine in tow, it's Rigo Star and Josky Kiambukuta with Jotongo (Mayala MA4005, 1986), a platter that can best be described as "soukous rock."

Josky Kiambukuta is the honey-voiced vocalist who joined Franco's legendary TPOK Jazz in 1973 and composed many of its greatest songs. Rigo Star made his mark in Papa Wemba's Viva la Musica before decamping to Paris and recording with the likes of Sam Mangwana and Kanda Bongo Man, later becoming a much-sought arranger and producer. Like Uhuru Aiye by Bob Ohiri and his Uhuru Sounds, posted in this space earlier, Jotongo is an apparent one-time studio collaboration that was never repeated. Similarly, its somewhat deracinated sound has a "hard rock" edge that sets it apart from some of the more mainstream sounds of the day. As no other musicians are credited on the sleeve, I suspect all of the musical contributions were provided by Kiambukuta and Star via overdubbing.

Rigo Star & Josky Kiambukuta - Jotongo

Rigo Star & Josky Kiambukuta - Bon Payeur

Rigo Star & Josky Kiambukuta - Promesse Ezali Niongo

Rigo Star & Josky Kiambukuta - Bilei Special

Rigo Star & Josky Kiambukuta - Malia

Download Jotongo as a zipped file here.

Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms

Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms

South African Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms will be travelling to Malawi in full force this October. After having a very successful summer in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup Nomfusi is taking the world  by storm with her band from the township, with an incredibly powerful voice, rare beauty and electrifying stage presence. The bands music is bound to make you get up and shake a leg with its classic Motown and Sophiatown (African jazz from the 60’s) influences.

Nomfusi was first introduced to Universal Publishing after performing at her graduation concert at Vivacious Voice a singing and songwriting academy in Cape Town that she attended. She was then signed to Universal Music in May 2009 and released her first album ‘Kwazibani’ which was awarded five stars by DRUM Magazine. Since 2009 Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms have been touring internationally and have attended prestigious festivals such as Dunya Festival in Rotterdam and Festival International Nuits d'Afrique in Montreal.

The Mail & Guardian described her as follows: "Betraying youthful vulnerability while at the same time projecting strength, confidence, and uncanny insight for a 23-year old, the diminutive singer-songwriter stands tall in defiance of pop-fashion expectations."

Her startlingly big voice, tangible charm and incredible life story have courted the attention of all the major music role players in South Africa. Creating a solid circuit for her engrossing live performances, she is enjoying a rapidly growing following in South Africa and abroad. Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms will be bringing the sandy beaches of Lake Malawi to life this October. So if you still haven’t got your tickets for the festival we suggest you do this quick so your not left out.

For more info visit:

www.nomfusi.com

Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms

Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms

South African Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms will be travelling to Malawi in full force this October. After having a very successful summer in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup Nomfusi is taking the world  by storm with her band from the township, with an incredibly powerful voice, rare beauty and electrifying stage presence. The bands music is bound to make you get up and shake a leg with its classic Motown and Sophiatown (African jazz from the 60’s) influences.

Nomfusi was first introduced to Universal Publishing after performing at her graduation concert at Vivacious Voice a singing and songwriting academy in Cape Town that she attended. She was then signed to Universal Music in May 2009 and released her first album ‘Kwazibani’ which was awarded five stars by DRUM Magazine. Since 2009 Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms have been touring internationally and have attended prestigious festivals such as Dunya Festival in Rotterdam and Festival International Nuits d'Afrique in Montreal.

The Mail & Guardian described her as follows: "Betraying youthful vulnerability while at the same time projecting strength, confidence, and uncanny insight for a 23-year old, the diminutive singer-songwriter stands tall in defiance of pop-fashion expectations."

Her startlingly big voice, tangible charm and incredible life story have courted the attention of all the major music role players in South Africa. Creating a solid circuit for her engrossing live performances, she is enjoying a rapidly growing following in South Africa and abroad. Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms will be bringing the sandy beaches of Lake Malawi to life this October. So if you still haven’t got your tickets for the festival we suggest you do this quick so your not left out.

For more info visit:

www.nomfusi.com

NYALI

NYALI 

Nyali meaning ‘light’ or ‘torch’  is a seven member band from the capital city of Zambia Lusaka. Having been together for only ten months since winning at a local festival, the group comprises of three outstanding vocalists backed by four competent instrumentalists. Their sound is an  electrifying blend of Afro fusion, combining local, indigenous sounds from across the nine provinces of Zambia with groovy contemporary African rhythms.

Nyali’s music illuminates current Zambian trends and invite for new musical insights. Nyali’s goal is to put Zambian music on the International map with the vision to become one of the leading exponent of Zambian Music within a few years. With them heading to the festival this October your bound to be bopping along to their contemporary music whilst soaking up the sun.



Nyali is always testing their limits and strength as young musicians: “The genius of music is in us, it is not something we can fake. It isn’t just a hobby, it is a way of life”

For more info and to listen to Nyali check out:: http://www.myspace.com/nyaliband#ixzz0zWhrrjDZ

NYALI

NYALI 

Nyali meaning ‘light’ or ‘torch’  is a seven member band from the capital city of Zambia Lusaka. Having been together for only ten months since winning at a local festival, the group comprises of three outstanding vocalists backed by four competent instrumentalists. Their sound is an  electrifying blend of Afro fusion, combining local, indigenous sounds from across the nine provinces of Zambia with groovy contemporary African rhythms.

Nyali’s music illuminates current Zambian trends and invite for new musical insights. Nyali’s goal is to put Zambian music on the International map with the vision to become one of the leading exponent of Zambian Music within a few years. With them heading to the festival this October your bound to be bopping along to their contemporary music whilst soaking up the sun.



Nyali is always testing their limits and strength as young musicians: “The genius of music is in us, it is not something we can fake. It isn’t just a hobby, it is a way of life”

For more info and to listen to Nyali check out:: http://www.myspace.com/nyaliband#ixzz0zWhrrjDZ

Puncture Kit

Puncture Kit

“The man with the bike”

Puncture Kit (David Osborne) began life as a busker in 2008 when he first moved to London from Australia. With just a bike Puncture Kit brought London to life. His live acoustic performances are improvised, and beats are chopped and changed in response to the crowd. His beats are mix of samba is fused with disco, drum n bass is fused with bossa nova, funk with hip hop and jazz and whatever pops into mind.. all played on the original busking bicycle.

His past performances have been Glastonbury Dance Village 2009, Concorde2 Brighton, support for the Bays, Edinburgh and Brighton Festivals to name a few. This October he will be heading out to Malawi for the festival and will also be doing a series of drum workshops for orphanages in the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’.

With my bike turned upside down, a sketchbook and no desire to be carrying a drum kit around on buses and trains, I designed my bike as my transport and drum kit "... Puncture Kit"

To listen to Puncture Kit visit: 

http://soundcloud.com/puncture-kit

Puncture Kit

Puncture Kit

“The man with the bike”

Puncture Kit (David Osborne) began life as a busker in 2008 when he first moved to London from Australia. With just a bike Puncture Kit brought London to life. His live acoustic performances are improvised, and beats are chopped and changed in response to the crowd. His beats are mix of samba is fused with disco, drum n bass is fused with bossa nova, funk with hip hop and jazz and whatever pops into mind.. all played on the original busking bicycle.

His past performances have been Glastonbury Dance Village 2009, Concorde2 Brighton, support for the Bays, Edinburgh and Brighton Festivals to name a few. This October he will be heading out to Malawi for the festival and will also be doing a series of drum workshops for orphanages in the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’.

With my bike turned upside down, a sketchbook and no desire to be carrying a drum kit around on buses and trains, I designed my bike as my transport and drum kit "... Puncture Kit"

To listen to Puncture Kit visit: 

http://soundcloud.com/puncture-kit

Waliko Makhala

Waliko Makhala

Waliko Makhala one of Malawi’s homegrown traditional musician who plays Malawian instruments such as the Bangwe, Sansi, Kaligo and Mkangala with much skill, often having taught himself due to the lack of experts on the instruments. Makhala’s interest in ethno-musicology began in 1986 where he was part of a team researching Malawian traditional musical instruments for the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Makhala , who originates from Mzimba, trained at the Zimbabwe College of Music. He spent much of his time comparing the music of the Malawian Sela people and Zimbabwean Manyika people who both use the Kalimba, also known as the Mbira in Zimbabwe. Currently Makhala works with the Great Pillars Band who represented Malawi at the Music Crossroads competition. Makhala is currently working on a new album for the international market and shall be playing the best of old and new music on Malawi’s sandy beaches during this years festival.

Waliko Makhala

Waliko Makhala

Waliko Makhala one of Malawi’s homegrown traditional musician who plays Malawian instruments such as the Bangwe, Sansi, Kaligo and Mkangala with much skill, often having taught himself due to the lack of experts on the instruments. Makhala’s interest in ethno-musicology began in 1986 where he was part of a team researching Malawian traditional musical instruments for the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Makhala , who originates from Mzimba, trained at the Zimbabwe College of Music. He spent much of his time comparing the music of the Malawian Sela people and Zimbabwean Manyika people who both use the Kalimba, also known as the Mbira in Zimbabwe. Currently Makhala works with the Great Pillars Band who represented Malawi at the Music Crossroads competition. Makhala is currently working on a new album for the international market and shall be playing the best of old and new music on Malawi’s sandy beaches during this years festival.

Dominant-1

Dominant-1

With the game being so industry-driven, good hip hop is hard to come by. This Malawian

raised MC/producer refuses to be part of this craze they now call ‘hip hop’ and thus at an

early age set out to make it right. His emcee style is a mixture of old school and ‘true’ school.

He sounds like old school LL Cool J with a Tribe Called Quest flow added to remarkable

lyrical content. He has a set individual style of production through which his versatility

culminates in a hybrid he has coined ‘Electric Soul’..

Dominant-1 does not limit his music to the Malawian market, currently working with a number of international acts which include Mode Nine of Nigeria and Awkword of the USA. He is also a part of the region’s first live hip hop band, Ifeyo. This is Dominant-1 second year at the festival and we all look forward to seeing him hit the stage again.

For more on Dominant 1

http://www.myspace.com/donzothe1

Dominant-1

Dominant-1

With the game being so industry-driven, good hip hop is hard to come by. This Malawian

raised MC/producer refuses to be part of this craze they now call ‘hip hop’ and thus at an

early age set out to make it right. His emcee style is a mixture of old school and ‘true’ school.

He sounds like old school LL Cool J with a Tribe Called Quest flow added to remarkable

lyrical content. He has a set individual style of production through which his versatility

culminates in a hybrid he has coined ‘Electric Soul’..

Dominant-1 does not limit his music to the Malawian market, currently working with a number of international acts which include Mode Nine of Nigeria and Awkword of the USA. He is also a part of the region’s first live hip hop band, Ifeyo. This is Dominant-1 second year at the festival and we all look forward to seeing him hit the stage again.

For more on Dominant 1

http://www.myspace.com/donzothe1

Mokoomba

MOKOOMBA

Exuberant youthful energy bursting with natural talent and contagious rhythm, Mokoomba’s

story is one of diversity and perseverance. Despite coming from one of Zimbabwe’s smallest

rural villages, singing in a language foreign to even their countrymen, these six young men

have never been deterred from their dream of making music.

Mokoomba combines traditional and modern instruments with a rich blend of rhythms,

preserving the vibrant sound of traditional Tonga music while embracing the diverse cultures

of southern Africa. They are the 2008 winners of the InterRegional Festival, the annual

competition sponsored by Music Crossroads for musicians under age 25 in southern Africa,

and will bring their electrifying mix of Afro-fusion energy and tantalizing traditional Tonga

beats to this years festival.

Mokoomba

MOKOOMBA

Exuberant youthful energy bursting with natural talent and contagious rhythm, Mokoomba’s

story is one of diversity and perseverance. Despite coming from one of Zimbabwe’s smallest

rural villages, singing in a language foreign to even their countrymen, these six young men

have never been deterred from their dream of making music.

Mokoomba combines traditional and modern instruments with a rich blend of rhythms,

preserving the vibrant sound of traditional Tonga music while embracing the diverse cultures

of southern Africa. They are the 2008 winners of the InterRegional Festival, the annual

competition sponsored by Music Crossroads for musicians under age 25 in southern Africa,

and will bring their electrifying mix of Afro-fusion energy and tantalizing traditional Tonga

beats to this years festival.

Meet the volunteers powering vinspired Lake of Stars

Megan Page, 25, from California

What made you get involved with vinspired Lake of Stars?

I came over to the UK to do my Masters, where I looked at how music can lead to political change. When I finished I had to wait until I got my degree results before I could apply for a working visa. So I was looking around for volunteering opportunities where I could use my research skills while I was waiting, and I came across Lake of Stars.

What are you doing for vinspired Lake of Stars?

I am carrying out an economic impact study of the festival, so I will be trying to find out how much money visitors spend at the festival and in Malawi generally, and also exploring how Lake of Stars impacts on businesses in the country.

How will you do that?

By interviewing businesses, hotels and the Malawian Minister of Business and discussing how the festival impacts on them. I want to learn about who they are hiring, how much they are paying them and how these businesses can partner better with Lake of Stars. I will also be asking festival-goers to fill in my questionnaire. I will need to carry out about 500 interviews in total.
The festival has been going for seven years now and it is starting to have trickle-down effects on the Malawian economy. We know the festival has an impact on the economy of the country and that it brings lots of money in, but it would be good to have numbers.

Did you do any volunteering before you got involved with vinspired Lake of Stars?

Yes, I used to volunteer for Arsenal's Double Club programme once a week, where we would go round to primary schools and give kids an hour of tutoring and then an hour of football coaching after school

Why is volunteering important to you?

I do it for the same reason everyone does it I think, to be involved in something bigger than yourself. People can get too caught up in their lives and I think volunteering is a way of putting it back into perspective that we are all in this together.

Will you continue to volunteer after this project is over?

Absolutely. I am considering redirecting my career away from the music industry, where I currently work, and towards an NGO.

Are you looking forward to the festival?

I'm thrilled, it's going to be amazing. I saw the Noisettes and Tinashé at the Union Chapel and I was just sitting there with my eyes closed, thinking "what's it going to be like to hear this on the shores of Lake Malawi?" and it gave me the chills.

Meet the volunteers powering vinspired Lake of Stars

Megan Page, 25, from California

What made you get involved with vinspired Lake of Stars?

I came over to the UK to do my Masters, where I looked at how music can lead to political change. When I finished I had to wait until I got my degree results before I could apply for a working visa. So I was looking around for volunteering opportunities where I could use my research skills while I was waiting, and I came across Lake of Stars.

What are you doing for vinspired Lake of Stars?

I am carrying out an economic impact study of the festival, so I will be trying to find out how much money visitors spend at the festival and in Malawi generally, and also exploring how Lake of Stars impacts on businesses in the country.

How will you do that?

By interviewing businesses, hotels and the Malawian Minister of Business and discussing how the festival impacts on them. I want to learn about who they are hiring, how much they are paying them and how these businesses can partner better with Lake of Stars. I will also be asking festival-goers to fill in my questionnaire. I will need to carry out about 500 interviews in total.
The festival has been going for seven years now and it is starting to have trickle-down effects on the Malawian economy. We know the festival has an impact on the economy of the country and that it brings lots of money in, but it would be good to have numbers.

Did you do any volunteering before you got involved with vinspired Lake of Stars?

Yes, I used to volunteer for Arsenal's Double Club programme once a week, where we would go round to primary schools and give kids an hour of tutoring and then an hour of football coaching after school

Why is volunteering important to you?

I do it for the same reason everyone does it I think, to be involved in something bigger than yourself. People can get too caught up in their lives and I think volunteering is a way of putting it back into perspective that we are all in this together.

Will you continue to volunteer after this project is over?

Absolutely. I am considering redirecting my career away from the music industry, where I currently work, and towards an NGO.

Are you looking forward to the festival?

I'm thrilled, it's going to be amazing. I saw the Noisettes and Tinashé at the Union Chapel and I was just sitting there with my eyes closed, thinking "what's it going to be like to hear this on the shores of Lake Malawi?" and it gave me the chills.

Eddy Temple Morris and Benin City kick off the countdown

Xfm favourite Eddy Temple Morris kicks off the London countdown to the seventh vinspired Lake of Stars festival

As the building of the vinspired Lake of Stars festival site gets underway on the sun-kissed shores of Lake Malawi, Eddy Temple Morris kick starts the countdown to the festival with a rabblerousing gig in rainy London.

The Xfm DJ warmed up for his performance at the vinspired Lake of Stars festival in Malawi, 15 to 17 October, with a gig at Rich Mix in London last night [Sept 8]. And he revealed that he has some tricks up his sleeve to get the crowd on his side when he does the real thing. Eddy said: "I know there will be a few Brits there who know me, but my shows are not big in Africa, so I'm going to get a local MC to join my set which will be a nice bridge between me and the crowd.

"I don't play a lot of African music in my sets for obvious reasons – I'm famous for dance music – but I'm going to play some records that I hope the crowd will relate to and that will go to their hips. So it will be a case of suck it and see.

"I'm expecting they will be up to have a good time. I've been told that they really like a party so I'm just going to do my thing. I know some of the bands who went out last year were really nervous about playing but they got on stage, did their thing and the crowd loved them."

Eddy was joined at the vinspired Lake of Stars Festival gig by London act Benin City. The show was part of the official launch night of the autumn programme of Bethnal Green Road cultural centre, Rich Mix.

Back in Malawi, tickets have just gone on sale for the festival and building work has started on the site itself. This year's festival promises to have the eclectic mix of music on offer at previous Lake of Stars' outings but with a new broader arts and development programme, featuring theatre, film, interactive workshops and a local food fair.

And with just five weeks to go until it all kicks off, Eddy Temple Morris is getting geared-up. "It's not long to go now and I'm very, very excited about the festival," he said. "I haven't properly been to Africa before – except for a trip to Morocco – so I can't wait to get slap bang in the middle of the continent where life started.

"I was keen to get involved with Lake of Stars because it’s a great festival and I really wanted to help. I was looking to do something to help people who really need it and what a lovely way to be able to do that – by playing music.

"I'll be staying for the whole festival but unfortunately won't have time to explore more of the country. My good friend Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers is trying to make me stay for longer but my debut album is coming out at the end month so unfortunately I have to come back to the UK.

"But hopefully this will be a case of dipping my toe in the water and I will be back."

Eddy also gave a shout out to the volunteers who are powering the vinspired-sponsored festival. "A festival like this would be so hard to do if it didn't have volunteers helping it," he said. "So big up to the volunteers and I am doing everything I can to help them."

For images of the gig go to: http://bit.ly/RMLaunch
Blog photo by Steve McInerny www.sharpsharp.co.uk
Words by Jenny Clover
Event production and promotion by vinspired volunteers
http://www.vinspired.com