MADALITSO BAND Billets

The Madalitso Band are a two man musical army from Malawi. Described as ‘Uplifting and Vibrant’ by the BBC, they get crowds beaming with wonder and on their feet dancing every time. Their first album was produced by Bongo Joe records and the band has already performed at Womex 2020, Womad 2019, Roskilde 2018, Sauti Za Busara 2017…to name just a few. They were discovered busking outside a shopping centre in 2009. Their vibrant playing, strong vocals and traditional style caught the attention of Emanuel Kamwenje who recorded their first album the same year. The band plays the babatone – a home-made instrument popular in Malawi – and the four-string guitar, creating the traditional Malawi ‘banjo’ sound. When not playing or touring, babatone player Yobu Malinga works as a gardener and guitarist Yosefe Kalekeni works as a security guard, however around Malawi they are increasingly revered as musical prophets.