New Music Discoveries at Lake of Stars Festival 2014
Last weekend, after a 3-year hiatus, the Lake of Stars Festival returned to shores of Lake Malawi. Regularly described as one of Africa’s best music festivals, Lake Of Stars is arguably the biggest event on Malawi’s entertainment calendar. It’s an opportunity for visitors to enjoy three days on Lake Malawi’s southern shores, while seeing some of the best in local and regional rap, reggae, and pop music. This year’s headliners Mafikizolo certainly had the best response. (I’ve since added “become a backup dancer for Mafikizolo” right behind “become Damian Marley’s flag waver” on my list of a dream careers).
I wasn’t familiar with most of the other acts, but here are three who I’ll keep an ear on now that Lake of Stars is over:
1. Reason, rapper from South Africa
Might remind you of: Wale’s flow + Wiz Khalifa’s stage presence
Folks in the US might remember Reason, from the Mandela remix he did with CyHi the Prince earlier this year, but Reason’s superior flow and Jozi swag is quite impressive on its own. He’s talented and versatile enough to do backpack rap and gritty rhymes in the same set. His penchant for rapping over old R&B samples makes some of his music reminiscent of pre-808’s and Heartbreak Kanye.
What I’m listening to right now: Stay
and Do It Like I Can
2. Cable Street Collective, pop band from the UK
Might remind you of: Lily Allen, with a strong African bassline, and a little (or lot) more pelvic thrusting.
CSC says they make African influenced, sunshine music [called] Carnival Pop. Sounds about right. When this sextet first appeared on stage, I was expecting a stereotypical Brit pop sound. Instead their set was folksy and fun, with a lot of dance breaks and audience participation.
What I’m listening to right now: Wasted Hours
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3. George Kalakusha – acoustic soul singer from Malawi
Might remind you of: A warm cup of Milo on a chilly night (Oh wait, that’s not a comparable singer…)
Kalakusha and his guitar have a soothing and mesmerizing quality that make me want to keep listening. He sings with an endearing honesty and earnestness that is rare, and refreshing. It’s the kind of music I’d never know word for word, but would play all day in the background.
What I’m listening to right now: Strangers
Have you discovered any cool new music lately? Feel free to share in the comments.
