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Malawi’s rich culture is set for a major spotlight as a new festival promises to bring together music, fashion, food, traditional dances and local businesses under one roof.
Award-winning Malawian artist Tay Grin, through Black Rhyno Entertainment, has announced the inaugural Roots of Malawi Culture Festival, scheduled for 17 October 2026 at Umodzi Park (BICC) in Lilongwe.
The festival is expected to attract more than 3,000 people for a one-day celebration of Malawi’s cultural identity, heritage and creativity.
Organisers say the event will feature traditional music and dances, cultural exhibitions, traditional cuisine, fashion, storytelling, arts and crafts and traditional games.
There will also be a children’s cultural village, live performances and an SME marketplace where local entrepreneurs and creative businesses can showcase their products.
Tay Grin said the festival is intended to use culture not only for entertainment but also to create opportunities for Malawians.
“Our culture is one of Malawi’s greatest assets. We want to create a platform where traditional leaders, artists, young people, families, entrepreneurs, development partners and the private sector can come together to celebrate it, preserve it and show how culture can contribute to the future of our country,” he said.
The festival is expected to provide local artisans, small businesses and creative entrepreneurs with opportunities to reach new customers and showcase their work.
Organisers also see potential for the event to contribute to tourism and the growth of Malawi’s creative economy.
The festival will bring together families, university students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, tourists, government representatives, development partners and business leaders.
Tay Grin said he wants Roots of Malawi to become an annual national celebration that Malawians can own and look forward to.
“We are building something that we want Malawians to own and look forward to every year,” he said.
He said the ambition is for the festival to become a flagship national cultural event that protects heritage, creates opportunities, strengthens tourism and connects young people with their roots.
Black Rhyno Entertainment is currently engaging strategic partners from the private sector, government and development community ahead of the inaugural edition.
