08/10/2025
We Found a Hidden Paradise in Africa (and a World-Class Music Festival!) | Nugget Junction in Malawi
Join us on an epic adventure as the Nugget Junction Travel podcast goes far off the beaten path, leaving the Asia Pacific for the pulsating heart of Africa! We take you to a place you've likely never heard of: the stunningly beautiful, pristine shores of Cape Maclear, Malawi.
After an epic 4x4 road trip from Zambia, we land in this hidden gem right in the middle of the Urban Music People (UMP) Festival 2024βa vibrant, 3-day kaleidoscope of sounds, sights, and incredible talent from across the African continent.
In this special episode, Cranston goes beyond the music to uncover the stories that make this place truly magical.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:
The Journey to Paradise: Hear about our wild, day-and-a-half drive from Zambia to the shores of Lake Malawi.
The UMP Festival: Get a front-row seat to one of Africa's most exciting music events, featuring a special performance from Australian artist Chisenga Katongo and his track "Lucky Me."
Community-Led Tourism That Works: An inspiring conversation with Harry Dixon, the chairman of the local tour guide association. He shares the incredible story of how the community organized to overcome crime and build a world-class, sustainable tourism model from the ground upβa story of winning where others have failed.
Africa's Future Stars: We sit down with the incredible artists shaping the continent's sound:
* Naimah: The soulful Zambian-born singer shares how a "disciplinary covert operation" accidentally launched her music career and graces us with a moving acapella performance.
* DJ Boo: The Award winning Malawian DJ behind the festival's biggest vibes! He explains why DJing is his "office," the hilarious story of how he got his name, and his love for mashing up Afro beats and Amapiano.
* Anesi: The multi-talented Nigerian artist talks about her journey of finding the perfect name, her genre-bending music, and the brilliant way she used NFTs to fund her trip to Malawi.
This episode is a deep dive into music, culture, and the power of community. Itβs a story of resilience, creativity, and the hidden gems that make travel so rewarding.
π SUBSCRIBE to Nugget Junction for more incredible travel stories from around the globe! Have you ever been to Malawi? Let us know in the comments!
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FIND THE ARTISTS:
βΊ Naimah: https://www.youtube.com/
βΊ DJ Boo: https://www.youtube.com/
βΊ Anesi: https://www.youtube.com/
βΊ Support Anesi's NFT Lifetime Event Pass: https://app.manifold.xyz/c/anesi-live-event-pass
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