Lilongwe Girls Secondary School Triumphs at National Arts Festival with Folklore-Themed Play

Lilongwe Girls Secondary School emerged victorious at this year’s National Arts Festival (Nasfest) and International Youth Cultural Festival, held from Friday to Sunday at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe.

The school's winning performance, Ndatopa, captivated audiences with its rich storytelling and alignment with the festival's theme of preserving folklore. The play tells the tale of Ndatopa, a woman desperate for a child, who defies village elders' warnings and ventures into a forbidden forest. Along the way, she confronts mad wanderers, vengeful spirits, and vanishing roads, only to be guided by an old woman to a sacred "singing door" where she discovers an infant wrapped in golden leaves.

Through folksongs and traditional storytelling, Ndatopa conveyed powerful themes of perseverance, faith, and cultural heritage.

Lilongwe Girls' patron, Desiree Namachotsa, expressed pride in the students' dedication. "The girls are happy because they put everything into the performance. They deserved to win," she said, commending Nasfest for creating a platform that nurtures young talent and deepens cultural appreciation.

For their stellar performance, Lilongwe Girls Secondary School was awarded K500,000. Likuni Boys Secondary School, who performed Ripples of Remorse, secured second place and received K300,000, while New Generation Secondary School, with their play The Treasured Gift, took third place and K200,000.

Light of Youth Creative Organisation director, James Kitchen, emphasized the festival's role in promoting artistic expression and cultural exchange among the youth.

Minister of Tourism Vera Kantukule, who officially opened the event, lauded the festival's continued growth. "This festival is playing a crucial role in nurturing artistic talent while ensuring that our cultural heritage remains alive across generations," she stated.

The annual festival welcomed participants from South Africa, Zambia, and Malawi, providing a vibrant space to celebrate and promote cultural diversity.