Kenyan Afropop star Bien-Aimé Baraza has arrived in Malawi ahead of the Live at Kumbali Music Concert scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Kumbali Castle in Lilongwe.
Standard Bank Plc, in partnership with event organisers Nature’s Gift Ltd and Pakhonde Sessions, has confirmed that preparations for the highly anticipated concert are on track.
The event will bring together some of Malawi’s celebrated musicians, including Driemo, Praise Umali and Maggie Kadrum, alongside Bien, who will headline the concert.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe, Nature’s Gift General Manager Ian said the event is committed to delivering a premium live music experience through quality performances and production.
“Live at Kumbali is a premium live music experience that celebrates music in its most authentic form, with every artist backed by a full live band and the best musical production available in the country,” he said.
Ian said this year’s edition has been expanded to include two stages, giving audiences more music and entertainment.
He added that the organisers were committed to ensuring high standards in service delivery, sound and the overall atmosphere of the event.
Standard Bank Head of Brand and Marketing Tamanda Ng’ombe said the bank’s continued sponsorship of Live at Kumbali, under its Joy of the Arts initiative, reflects its commitment to developing Malawi’s arts, culture and tourism sectors.
“Standard Bank continues to support the growth of Malawi’s arts, music and cultural sectors. Our partnership with Live at Kumbali reflects our appreciation of the arts and our belief in the transformative role music plays in society,” said Ng’ombe.
She said the platform creates opportunities for Malawian artists to perform alongside internationally acclaimed musicians while promoting Malawi as a destination for tourism, culture and investment.
Standard Bank has supported Live at Kumbali since its inaugural edition in 2023, helping bring international performers such as Ami Faku, Simmy and Shekhinah to Malawian audiences.
This year’s concert introduces an East African flavour through the participation of Bien, a founding member of Kenyan band Sauti Sol and a Grammy-recognised artist.
Expressing his excitement ahead of the performance, Bien said he was delighted to return to Malawi and entertain local music fans.
“I am excited to be in Malawi once again. The Warm Heart of Africa is always a pleasure to visit and perform in. Tomorrow will be a fantastic evening as we celebrate music together, revisit some fan favourites and share some of my newer music. I love you, Malawi,” he said.
Bien is known for hit songs such as Suzanna and Short N Sweet. He also received Grammy recognition for his contribution to Burna Boy’s Grammy Award-winning album Twice As Tall and won the 2025 Trace Award for Best Artist in Eastern Africa.
Apart from Bien, the main stage will feature performances by Praise Umali, Driemo, Maggie Kadrum, Sagonjah and Tadala, as well as DJ WNDRZ.
The Summerhouse Stage will feature Yaankho, Isabel King, Sangwani Kaunda and DJ Liv, while the Tamba Africa Showcase will celebrate the diversity and richness of Malawian music.
The organisers have encouraged music lovers to secure their tickets ahead of the concert through Kwenda.co or by dialling *495#.
Standard tickets are selling at K85,000, while those purchased at the gate will cost K95,000, subject to availability.
Bien’s trip to Malawi was facilitated by Nish Travels, the official travel partner for Live at Kumbali 2026, while Times Group is the event’s exclusive media partner.
The concert is held at Kumbali Castle in Lilongwe and aims to celebrate Malawian music by providing local artists with a platform to perform alongside international headliners.
