Likoma Island Festival holds talent show ahead of October fest

Preparations for the Likoma Island Festival (Life), slated for October 16 to 18, have intensified with organisers holding a talent identification show to discover outstanding performers who will have an opportunity to showcase their talents during the festival in Likoma.

In an interview on Sunday at Fudwe, Life deputy director Martin Mkhwamba said the event provided a platform for different talents to come to the open.

A local group captured in action. | Ireen Mseteka

The event brought together local artists who entertained the audience while competing for a chance to be part of the main festival programme.

Mkhwamba noted that from the competition, different stakeholders have identified talents that they can work better with, such that even after the festival, some talent groups will still be engaged in other forums.

He said: “The initiative sought to promote local talents and ensure that the Likoma Island Festival provides opportunities for home-grown artists to showcase their abilities to a wider audience.

“As you are aware, we will have other artists from the mainland. For a long time, we have been having artists from the mainland. This shows that we have been hiding the skills of our local artists.”

Nkhwamba added that from the featured performers, participants demonstrated their skills through music, dance and other forms of entertainment while blending various educational messages.

One of the participants, Mphatso Chithira thanked Life for organising the activity, saying it meant a lot to local artists in the district as it would help boost their confidence as they look forward to growing for a bigger stage.

“For the first time since we have been having the festivals here in Likoma, they have involved us. This is the way to go. This will go a long way in helping up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents,” he said.