Nigerian megastars Johnny Drille, Bayanni and Teni set to descend on Lilongwe for star-studded Afro Fest debut
Three of Nigeria’s biggest music exports — Johnny Drille, Bayanni and Teni — are set to headline the brand-new Afro Fest when it launches in Lilongwe on 10 October, in what promises to be one of Malawi’s biggest musical showcases yet.
The Afrobeats stars will share top billing with a lineup of homegrown Malawian talent, including Kell Kay, Eli Njuchi and Teddy Makhadi, as the inaugural festival descends on Malawi Square at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC).
The event is being staged by Beyond Marketing as the launch of what organisers hope will become an annual celebration of African music, culture and creativity, bringing together sounds from across the continent under one roof.
Announcing the star-studded lineup at a press briefing in Lilongwe, Beyond Marketing’s Public Relations and Communications Director, Sellah Chiuye, said the festival was designed to forge stronger links between Malawian artists and their more established counterparts across Africa, opening doors for cultural exchange and creative collaboration.
“This is more than just a music festival. It is a platform for African creativity, a meeting point for cultures, and an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent coming out of Malawi to audiences at home and beyond our borders,” Chiuye said.
The Nigerian trio bring serious pedigree to Malawian shores. Johnny Drille, known for his soulful, emotionally-charged ballads, has built a devoted fanbase across Africa since rising to prominence after appearing on Nigerian Idol, going on to collaborate with some of the continent’s biggest names.
Bayanni, one of Afrobeats’ fastest-rising young stars, has been tipped as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices, while Teni, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated female artists, has become known for her high-energy performances and chart-topping hits that have made her a household name well beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Their appearance in Lilongwe marks a significant coup for Malawi’s growing live entertainment scene, offering local fans a rare chance to see genuine African music heavyweights performing on home soil — while giving Malawian stars Kell Kay, Eli Njuchi and Teddy Makhadi a coveted platform to perform alongside some of the continent’s most recognisable names.