Malawi's Khulubvi Festival Gears Up for 3rd Anniversary Celebration
This year's theme is "Shire Valley Time to Shine and Let's Empower People," reflecting aspirations for sustainable development while preserving cultural identity.
NSANJE, Malawi— Preparations are in full swing for the 3rd annual Khulubvi Arts and Cultural Festival in Nsanje district, with organizers promising a bigger and more inclusive event showcasing the region's rich heritage, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
The festival, scheduled from June 28-30 at Nsanje Prison Grounds, will have a cross-border element this year with participants from neighboring Mozambique joining the celebrations.
"This will be the third event of the Khulubvi Arts and Cultural Festival and this year it will be different from the previous events as we will be joined by other people from Mozambique," said Eric Trinta, coordinator of the festival.
A key focus is building relationships between companies operating in the Shire Valley districts of Nsanje and Chikwawa and the local communities.
"Of recent the communities from the Shire Valley districts have been involved in the destruction of companies' properties because of poor relationship," Trinta said.
He emphasized the natural resource wealth of the region that remains underutilized for development due to conflicts.
Trinta said he has engaged district leadership to ensure involvement of traditional authorities, members of parliament and councilors as custodians of the local culture.
"Traditional leaders are the custodian of people and all culture hence their involvement in the festival will be more colorful," he told AfricaBrief.
Last month, the organizers held a memorial music show honoring fallen artists like Katelele Ching'oma, Joseph Tembo and Grace Chinga from the two districts.
This year's theme is "Shire Valley Time to Shine and Let's Empower People," reflecting aspirations for sustainable development while preserving cultural identity.
The three-day festival will feature music, dance, exhibitions, and forums exploring ways to responsibly harness the Shire Valley's abundant resources for community empowerment.