Tumaini Festival transforms the Dzaleka Refugee Camp every year into a vibrant convergence of cultures, art, and shared humanity. This year, the festival drew a crowd of about 12,000 people to witness a diverse lineup of artists, from revered local musicians to refugees showcasing talents developed in the most challenging circumstances. Running annually since 2014, Tumaini has grown into the world’s only music festival held in a refugee camp, becoming a powerful symbol of resilience, connection, and hope.
Located a few kilometers from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, Dzaleka Refugee Camp is a unique setting for such a festival. Originally a prison, the camp was repurposed to accommodate a surge of refugees from Africa’s Great Lakes region following political conflicts in 1994. Today, the camp houses more than 60,000 people, far surpassing its original capacity of 10,000. Residents come from a range of countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Somalia, creating a multicultural community within the camp’s bounds. It’s in this setting that Tumaini was born, bringing together people from the camp and beyond to celebrate their shared humanity through art and culture.
The festival’s opening was marked by an unforgettable performance from 72-year-old Jetu, a Malawian singer with a dazzling presence and an even more electrifying spirit. Clad in a bright tracksuit, tinted hair, and oversized sunglasses, she hobbled onto the stage, sending the crowd into a frenzy. “Ine ndi ndani?” (“Who am I?”) she called out, receiving a thunderous reply: “Ine ndi Jetu!” (“I am Jetu!”). Jetu, a great-grandmother, expressed gratitude for the chance to perform in front of such an audience, a privilege she noted as rare for someone her age.
“It’s empowering to see the stage being owned by all these different voices,” said Tammy Mbendera, the festival manager, describing how the youth born in the camp took charge of organizing this year’s event. Mbendera praised the enthusiasm and commitment of these young organizers, many of whom have known Dzaleka as their only home. Their dedication is a testament to Tumaini’s role as a platform for empowering youth, fostering creativity, and amplifying the often-overlooked voices of refugee communities.
A Unique Space for Connection and Coexistence
Founded by Menes La Plume, a Congolese poet, Tumaini has evolved from a simple gathering to a high-profile cultural event that attracts visitors and artists from Malawi and beyond, including South Africa and Zimbabwe. Menes envisioned the festival as a medium to bridge the gap between refugees and Malawian locals. “This is a unique space where refugees and locals celebrate each other’s cultures, exhibit their crafts, and show the world their resilience,” Menes said. Tumaini, which means “hope” in Swahili, embodies his belief that art and humanity can thrive even amid adversity.
Over the years, the festival has grown significantly, not only in size but also in its impact. It has become an essential event for changing perceptions about refugees, who are often portrayed as desperate, violent, or helpless. Yasintha Kanyoza, a Malawian attendee, shared how the festival altered her perspective. “I feel Tumaini gives a chance for both sides to interact and get to know each other and understand each other better,” she said. For Kanyoza, the event humanized refugees, allowing her to see them as people with “the same needs and desires” as herself.
The festival’s impact goes beyond music and entertainment. It serves as an educational experience, fostering empathy and understanding between Malawians and the refugee community. This interaction helps counter harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, promoting a narrative that highlights refugees’ strengths, talents, and resilience.
A Musical Experience with a Message
The power of Tumaini lies in its ability to unite people through music, a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. South African musician Maveriq Mavo, who performed at the festival, expressed how moved he was by the event’s purpose. “Some things, you don’t do for the money; you do them for the cause,” he said, adding that he composed a song especially for the refugees at Dzaleka. For Mavo, Tumaini represented a chance to give back to Malawi, a country he admired for its openness toward refugees. “It is about time we say thank you to Malawi because not every country is taking refugees,” he said.
The festival’s lineup included prominent Malawian artists like hip-hop musician Mfumu Hyphen and talented refugee musicians like Vankson Boy V, a Congolese refugee. Boy V shared his gratitude for the opportunity to perform at Tumaini, saying, “I am glad that I was able to show off my talent.” The performances are a testimony to the festival’s mission of empowering refugee artists and giving them a platform to share their work with the world. These artists bring their unique stories and experiences to the stage, creating a richer, more inclusive musical experience for all attendees.
A Growing Legacy and Future Aspirations
Tumaini has become a cultural landmark for both refugees and Malawians, drawing attention to the strength and creativity within Dzaleka’s community. Menes, the festival’s founder, expressed amazement at how Tumaini has evolved beyond his initial vision. “We see people from all corners of Malawi coming to Dzaleka to celebrate with the community here,” he said. The festival’s success has fueled his desire to expand its reach, with aspirations to replicate Tumaini in other countries across Africa. Menes believes that by sharing the festival’s model, he can inspire other communities to create spaces for unity, cultural exchange, and celebration.
Tumaini’s impact extends beyond the festival grounds. It brings visibility to the refugee experience, reminding the world of the resilience and contributions of displaced people. Each year, the festival shines a spotlight on the rich culture within Dzaleka, which too often goes unrecognized. By providing a platform for refugees and locals to share their art, music, and stories, Tumaini fosters a sense of pride and community.
The Role of Young Organizers in Sustaining Tumaini
An essential component of Tumaini’s success is the involvement of the youth, especially those who have grown up in Dzaleka. This year’s festival was organized by young people born and raised in the camp, embodying Tumaini’s spirit of self-empowerment and resilience. Festival manager Tammy Mbendera noted how inspiring it was to see these young people take charge. “The results speak for themselves,” she said, describing the festival’s positive impact on the camp and surrounding communities.
The youth’s leadership in organizing Tumaini highlights the next generation’s commitment to preserving and building upon the festival’s legacy. Their involvement ensures that Tumaini remains a dynamic and evolving event, responsive to the community’s needs and aspirations.
A Celebration of Art, Humanity, and Hope
Tumaini is more than just a music festival; it is a testament to the power of art in creating bridges between people, breaking down stereotypes, and celebrating resilience. Each year, Tumaini reminds us of the shared humanity that unites us all, transcending borders and circumstances. As the crowd of 12,000 people cheered, sang, and danced, Tumaini proved once again that even in a refugee camp, art and hope can thrive. Through the festival, Menes La Plume’s vision of connection and coexistence continues to inspire and uplift, promising a brighter future for Dzaleka and beyond.
With ambitions to expand across the continent, Tumaini offers a hopeful glimpse into a world where people from all walks of life can come together in celebration, transforming spaces once defined by hardship into ones filled with music, joy, and a collective resilience that no adversity can silence.
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