The annual Tumaini Festival is a platform created by and for the refugee community at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa, central Malawi. Home to thousands of refugees from countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia, Dzaleka becomes the vibrant stage for Malawian, refugee, and international artists to collaborate and create together using the message of love and peace.
Conceptualised by Menes La Plume (pictured above in a blue t-shirt), the Tumaini Festival began as a one-day cultural event in 2013. It has since grown into an influential, multi-day event attracting over 30,000 people, locals and foreigners alike. The event features a diverse array of performances, including music, dance, drama, and poetry.
#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
While primarily a music festival, a whole lot of creative energy is on display on the periphery. Tumaini is a feast for the senses, bringing together fashion, art, food, and drink.
Food and drink
Festival-goers can indulge in plenty of delicious food prepared in a uniquely East African way. Offerings include Mthumbwana (goat stomach wrapped in intestines) and local chicken, as well as plain chapati and egg-chapati wraps.
Refreshing options like fresh mango and mint juice are widely available alongside various ‘watering holes’ selling all manner of beverages.
Art and fashion
The local refugee community proudly displays their handicrafts—from beautiful necklaces and key rings to handmade shirts and bags. The festival also hosts high-energy events like #FashionInTheDust, dazzling attendees with local and international designs.
#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
The Dzaleka refugee community
Dzaleka Refugee Camp, the festival’s host, offers a unique and memorable atmosphere. Stepping out of your car, you are met by lots of excited children shouting as they run around in the language of their homeland. The earth is often parched and dusty, the air dry and hot, yet this setting is completely transformed by the collective energy of the artists and audience. It’s here that artists mingle with the audience, creating a true, communal platform.
Join the Movement
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. This impactful event is definitely one to add to your calendar.
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