Soul-soothing Slickartie has made a name for himself in Windhoek and recently wowed the international crowd at Malawi’;s 15th edition of Lake of Stars – a lakefront music festival showcasing musicians from Malawi and all over the world interspersed with notes of poetry, dance, visual and performance art.
Crowdfunding his unpaid newcomer appearance alongside Raymond ‘;Tatenda’; Mup, the artist managed to raise the money for their travelling expenses from a last-ditch GoFundMe campaign during which the Zimbabwean-born artist experienced the love of the Namibian nation.
“The support was amazing because I didn’;t think we could raise such an amount in such a short space of time,” says Slickartie. “Fans and friends donated to the campaign and 95% were Namibians.”
Beloved in the Land of the Brave and clearly making waves in the warm heart of Africa, Slickartie returns with glowing reviews from Malawi.
“We decided to include Slickartie this year because we loved his unique sound and presence,” says Lake of Stars artist liaison manager Marumbo Sichinga who encourages more regional acts to apply for what he wagers is one of the best festivals in the world.
“Slickartie’;s songwriting and onstage charisma were quietly confident and endearing. And he definitely has more to give which excites us.”
Performing ‘;Rwendo’;, ‘;Baba’;, ‘;Real Good Love’; and ‘;Maitiro’;, to name a few, the artist was as impressed by the country as Malawi was by him.
“Malawi on its own is a beautiful country and the Lake of Stars festival was really great. The line-up, people, food and wonderful clear blue water was all very inspiring,” he says.
“The vibe was great and people down there love African music. It was wonderful seeing people leaving the beach to come watch me perform, people walking past and stopping to listen. It was such a wonderful experience.”
A networking event for the star who has his sights set on next year’;s main stage, Lake of Stars was also an opportunity for Slickartie to grow his fanbase.
“Lake of Stars was my first performance outside of Namibia in Africa and I’;m hoping next year I get more festivals like HIFA and Bushfire Festival,” he says, though he has performed at Norway’;s Bergen Afro Arts Festival (BAAF).
Officially inspired to make an EP or an album this year citing popular demand, Slickartie plans to build on the songs he has been working on recently in order to release a singles collection album.
Back in the city performing as part of Mashura, The Ells or his solo incarnation Slickartie, the artist is clearly ready to work inspired by the lake and its stars.
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