The shores of Lake Malawi at Cape Maclear will come alive with the rhythm, color, and spirit of the Urban Music People (UMP) Festival 2025 from 21 to 27 October 2025.

Dubbed “The Elevation,” this year’s edition is more than just a festival, it is a renaissance.

Here is why you should be part of this unforgettable experience:

1. The Theme: This year’s festival theme, “The Elevation,” symbolizes UMP’s growth from a local music event into a global cultural phenomenon. It is a celebration of African creativity reaching new heights.
2. Malawi’s First 7-Day Festival: UMP 2025 marks a historic milestone as Malawi’s first-ever seven-day festival, offering a full week of immersive experiences in music, arts, and culture.
3. Youthful Leadership at the Helm: At just 28 years old, Aisha De Silva has been appointed as the youngest festival CEO in Malawi. Her dynamic leadership promises fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to festival management.
4. Empowered by Women: With a management team comprising 65% women, UMP Festival stands as embodiment of female empowerment in the entertainment industry. Championing social causes beyond entertainment, UMP is committed to initiatives supporting women, the environment, children, youth, culture, tourism, and mental health, making it a festival with purpose.
5. Home to Malawi’s Longest-Running Awards: The UMP Awards, Malawi’s longest-standing music and fashion accolades, will be a highlight of the festival, honoring excellence in various creative fields.
6. Pioneering Arts and Culture Conferences: UMP has initiated arts and culture conferences in partnership with the government, nurturing dialogue and development in the creative sector.
7. Global Ambassadors Spreading the Vibe: With ambassadors worldwide, UMP’s influence extends beyond borders, promoting Malawian culture and creativity on the international stage.
8. More Than a Festival: UMP is not just an event; it is a movement that celebrates and elevates African urban culture, inspiring communities and creatives alike.
9. From Vision to Reality: Founded by Ken Zizwa Limamwe, UMP has grown from a singular vision into an international movement, now led by CEO Aisha De Silva, reflecting the festival’s evolution and enduring impact.
10. A Renaissance Rooted in the Lake, Rising for the Continent: UMP 2025 is more than a festival, it is a renaissance rooted in the shores of Cape Maclear and rising toward a continental stage. With its bold mix of music, fashion, film, sport, and wellness, the festival reclaims space for African stories to be celebrated, reimagined, and amplified. It is where new connections are forged, where heritage meets modern expression, and where a new cultural heartbeat for Malawi and Africa is unmistakably heard.