The Chitoliro UMP Festival is set to return in 2025, running from October 21st to 27th at the scenic Cape Maclear in Mangochi. Under the theme The Elevation, the 2025 event promises to build on its legacy of celebrating African urban culture while offering an expanded program that highlights the continent’s creative spirit and innovation.
The week-long festival will bring together a diverse lineup of activities and performances, including live music from some of Africa’s most renowned and emerging artists. Reggae, hip-hop, gospel, Afrobeat, and traditional music genres will take center stage, offering a vibrant and unforgettable experience.
Film and theater will also be in the spotlight with the return of the Cape Maclear Film Festival, showcasing African cinema and storytelling. Pop-up theaters will host thought-provoking plays and performances, offering festivalgoers a chance to engage deeply with themes of culture, identity, and social change.
Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the Chitoliro Sports Championships, which will feature beach sports, marathons, and other competitions that encourage participation from both locals and visitors. With a blend of traditional and innovative games, the sports segment promises to add a dynamic and energetic element to the festival.
For those seeking premium experiences, the VIP Lounge will provide an exclusive space for networking, live entertainment, and luxurious hospitality. Meanwhile, the Chitoliro Site will serve as the vibrant hub of the festival, featuring wellness zones, gaming areas, cultural displays, and a variety of food and drink stalls.
The festival will open with the second Chitoliro Cultural and Creative Industries Conference, a forum that will unite artists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore the theme Creative Economies: Elevating Local Potential to Global Standards. This conference underscores the UMP Festival’s commitment to driving meaningful conversations around the role of culture and creativity in sustainable development.
Returning for its second year, the Miss UMP Pageant will be one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights. A celebration of beauty, talent, and purpose, the pageant provides a platform for young women to serve as cultural ambassadors and advocates for social change. Contestants will engage in cultural presentations, dialogues on pressing issues, and a grand coronation event. The pageant embodies the festival’s mission to empower women and elevate their voices on both local and global stages.
With an expected attendance of 10,000 people, the Chitoliro UMP Festival 2025 promises to be a transformative experience that showcases the best of African culture and creativity.
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