See you at Tumaini Festival 2026!
Tumaini Festival
Malawi's Premier Refugee-Led Arts & Cultural Festival
A Unique Cultural Experience
Founded in 2014 by Menes La Plume, Tumaini Festival has grown from a small cultural gathering into Malawi's largest multicultural event. It is the world's only festival held within a refugee camp.
Through music, dance, poetry, theater, and other art forms, Tumaini Festival promotes peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities. The festival has become a powerful platform for cultural exchange, having supported over 2,335 entrepreneurs and created 1,500 jobs for refugees while boosting the Dzaleka Refugee Camp economy.
Since its inception, the festival has welcomed over 230,000 patrons, featured 615 performing acts from 25 countries, and reached 61 million people through media coverage, amplifying refugee voices and raising awareness of refugee rights globally.
Explore the Festival's History
Discover a decade of arts, culture, and community impact at Dzaleka Refugee Camp
Rising With Resilience
October 30 - November 1, 2025
The 11th edition of Tumaini Festival continues the tradition of celebrating arts, culture, and community at Dzaleka Refugee Camp. Full details and statistics to be published following the event.
11th Anniversary
Marking over a decade of cultural celebration and refugee empowerment
Confirmed Performers
Amahoro Drummers and other regional and international artists
Three-Day Celebration
Free admission festival bringing together refugees and local communities
Notable Performers
Cultural group founded in 2006 by Burundian refugees, preserving the Royal Drum tradition
Sources
The Power of Community
October 30 - November 2, 2024
The 10th anniversary edition of Tumaini Festival brought together artists, refugees, and visitors from around the world to celebrate resilience and creativity.
Cultures of Resistance Award
Received the prestigious Cultures of Resistance Award in 2024
10th Anniversary Milestone
12,000 attendees celebrated a decade of cultural unity
International Artists
50+ performing artists from across Africa and beyond
Economic Impact
Generated income for 500+ local entrepreneurs
Notable Performers
72-year-old singer and great-grandmother, inspiring audiences with her resilience
South African musician bringing international sounds
Malawi's top hip-hop artist
Congolese refugee artist from Dzaleka camp
Sources
- Malawi Travel - Tumaini Festival - 2024, 30th October to 2nd November Accessed: 2025-11-01
- Daily Sabah - Joy, resilience shine at Malawi's Tumaini Festival Accessed: 2025-11-01
- Malawi 24 - Tumaini festival preps underway, to celebrate ten years of existence Accessed: 2025-11-01
- Omprakash - Donate to Tumaini Festival 2025 at Dzaleka Refugee Camp Accessed: 2025-11-01
Unity in Diversity
October 27-29, 2023
The 9th edition focused on celebrating the diverse cultures within Dzaleka and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Cultural Showcases
Traditional performances from 12 different countries
Youth Engagement
300+ young people participated in workshops
Media Coverage
Featured in international media outlets
Hope Rising
November 4-6, 2022
Post-pandemic revival celebrating resilience and the return to in-person gatherings.
Festival Revival
First full-scale festival after COVID-19 pandemic
Health & Safety
Implemented comprehensive health protocols
Community Support
Raised funds for camp healthcare initiatives
Connected Through Art
Virtual Event - October 2021
A hybrid festival combining virtual and limited in-person events during the pandemic.
Virtual Performances
30+ artists performed via livestream
Global Reach
Viewers from 50+ countries joined online
Digital Innovation
Pioneered virtual festival experience
Not Held
Cancelled due to COVID-19 Pandemic
The festival was not held in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and resulting health restrictions in Malawi. The decision was made to protect the health and safety of refugees, staff, artists, and attendees. Despite the cancellation, 2020 marked significant international recognition for Tumaini Letu's work.
Festival Suspended
First year without Tumaini Festival since its founding in 2014
Sharjah International Award
Tumaini Letu received the 2020 Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy & Support
Cumulative Impact Recognition
By 2020, festival had welcomed 99,000+ attendees and 304 performing acts across 7 years
Community Resilience
Despite the cancellation, Dzaleka community continued to support each other through the pandemic
Planning for Return
Organizers began planning for a virtual/hybrid model for 2021
Building Bridges
November 8-10, 2019
The 6th edition focused on connecting refugees with local communities through shared artistic experiences. This landmark year saw record attendance as the festival's reputation grew regionally and internationally.
Record Attendance
Estimated 35,000 attendees from across Malawi, Africa, and beyond
Community Integration
5,000+ local Malawians attended, strengthening refugee-host community bonds
Skills Development
50+ workshops in music, dance, and arts
Economic Empowerment
200+ vendors participated in market, generating income for refugees
Economic Impact
Festival contributed to annual $150,000+ revenue for Dzaleka economy
Voices of Hope
November 2-4, 2018
Amplifying refugee voices through storytelling, music, and visual arts.
Storytelling Platform
20+ refugee stories shared on main stage
Art Exhibition
100+ artworks displayed by camp residents
Music Collaboration
Local and refugee musicians performed together
Celebrating Resilience
November 10-12, 2017
Honoring the strength and creativity of the Dzaleka community.
Dance Performances
Traditional dances from 8 countries
Food Festival
International cuisine from camp residents
Children's Activities
500+ children participated in activities
Art Without Borders
November 4-6, 2016
Breaking down barriers through creative expression and artistic collaboration.
Mural Project
Community mural created by 30+ artists
Poetry Slam
First poetry competition at the festival
Fashion Show
Showcased refugee-designed clothing
Dreams Take Flight
November 6-8, 2015
The second edition, expanding the festival's reach and impact.
Expanded Program
3-day festival with multiple stages
International Guests
First international artist performances
Media Attention
National media coverage began
Hope and Harmony
November 2014
The inaugural Tumaini Festival, founded by Menes La Plume, bringing arts and culture to Dzaleka Refugee Camp for the first time.
Historic Beginning
First-ever festival in a refugee camp in Malawi
Community Gathering
1,000+ attendees at the first event
Cultural Exchange
Brought together refugees and locals through music
Festival Impact By The Numbers
Documenting over a decade of cultural celebration and refugee empowerment (2014-2025)
Annual Economic & Social Impact
Festival Growth Over Time
Looking for a place to stay for Tumaini Festival?
Look no further! Book your accommodation with a refugee family through our Homestay Program at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp. 🏠
This community-based tourism initiative offers a genuine cultural exchange while supporting refugee families’ livelihoods. Staying with a host family means contributing directly to the community and forming lasting connections. 🫱🏼🫲🏿
A Decade of Change
Since 2014, Tumaini Festival has been transforming lives and breaking barriers
Community Growth
230,000+ festival attendees since 2014, bringing together refugees and locals in celebration
Economic Impact
Created 1,500+ jobs and supported 2,335 entrepreneurs within the refugee community
Global Reach
Reached 61 million people worldwide through media coverage, amplifying refugee voices
Cultural Exchange
Hosted hundreds of artists from over 20 countries, fostering international collaboration
In The News
Discover how Tumaini Festival is making headlines around the world
"Joy and resilience shine at Malawi's Tumaini Festival, showcasing the vibrant cultural exchange within Dzaleka Refugee Camp"Read Article
"The Tumaini festival brings together refugee and resident musicians, helping to change perceptions about those forced to flee their homes"Read Article
"The Tumaini festival brings together refugees and locals, celebrating heritage and fostering cultural exchange through music, theater, and poetry"Read Article
"Tumaini Festival unites refugees and locals through music, art, and crafts, fostering connection and hope in Malawi"Read Article
Festival Impact Beyond Entertainment
Tumaini Festival creates lasting positive change in the lives of refugees and the broader community
Economic Empowerment
The festival has supported 2,335 entrepreneurs within Dzaleka, creating 1,500 jobs for refugees and boosting the camp's economy significantly.
Advocacy & Awareness
Reaching over 61 million people through media coverage, Tumaini amplifies refugee voices and raises awareness about refugee rights globally.
Cultural Exchange
The festival has welcomed 304 performing acts from Malawi, Africa, and around the world, creating unique opportunities for cultural dialogue.
Psychological Well-being
Through artistic expression and community celebration, Tumaini promotes self-expression, connection, and a positive outlook on life for refugees.
"Tumaini Festival brings exceptional hope into the lives of people. There are times when you perform at Tumaini and observe from people's reactions that the event is about more than music. It's about instilling hope in the hopeless," — Skeffa Chimoto, Musician
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