The 2019 edition of the Tumaini Festival took place a couple of weeks ago. A platform by refugees for refugee, Malawian and international artists to collaborate, exchange and create together using the message of love and peace, continues to grow year on year.
#tumainifestival2019 was amazing! We want to send a big THANK YOU to everyone who made this unique experience possible! A big shout out to all artists, our volunteers & team, to security & sound team and to all our guests. Thanks to all our supporters&partners.
See you next year! pic.twitter.com/KVylsBKejh— Tumaini Festival (@tumainifestival) November 8, 2019
More than just music
Tumaini is primarily a music festival. But on the peripherals, a whole lot is going on. Fashion, art, food, and drink among others.
#FashionInTheDust Dazzles At Tumaini Festival 2019 https://t.co/4F63Drxn6f via @265ENT @tumainifestival @MenesLa @MzuzuFashionWk @misswezwez @ArtsforChangeMw @Refugees @PlanMalawi @EUinMalawi @MalawiGovt @mzehub
— Harold Kapindu (@Hakapindu) November 4, 2019
There was plenty of delicious food on sale prepared in a uniquely East African way. Mthumbwana (goat stomach wrapped in intestines) and local chicken. Plain chapati and egg-chapati wraps.
While waiting for our food, some pot used for frying chips caught fire. You can see the look of concern on the guy preparing his chapatis at the next food stall.
Fresh mango and mint juice.
Plenty of watering holes selling all manner of beverages.
Load Side Bar – it has a nice ring to it, no? 🙂
The local refugee community with their handicrafts – necklaces, key-rings, shirts, bags, etc.
Dzaleka Refugee Camp, where Tumaini Festival is held, sometimes feels like a different country. As soon as you step out of your car you are met by lots of excited children shouting at each other as they run around in the language of their homeland. The earth is parched and dusty, the air dry and hot.
The odd artist mingling with the audience.
The Tumaini Festival is held every year at the end of October or right at the start of November. It is a two-day festival, free to enter and organised from donations via initiatives like Kickstarter. Definitely, an event to add to your calendar.
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