Madalitso Band

"Intuitive, authentic, and full of ruthless rhythms, Malawian Madalitso Band has taken Europe by storm. Madalitso will make you clap, dance, smile, and rethink everything you thought you knew about African sound and instrumentation."

For enquiries about this artist, please contact Stewart on - stewart@smugglersagency.com

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.'

  • “With just an acoustic guitar and foot drum, an outsize, home-made, one-string babatone, two voices in sweet harmony and buckets of charm, Malawi's dynamic duo have elevated audiences at WOMAD and Roskilde and a host of venues throughout Europe.”

    WOMEX

  • “Considered the true musical prophets in Malawi, Madalitso Band’s Musakayike makes for compulsive listening, guaranteed to brighten up the dullest of times. Surely only those with a happiness-bypass could fail to enjoy such intoxicatingly accomplished and compelling music."

    KLOF Mag

  • “Musakayike opens with “Ali Ndi Vuto” about people finding fault within poor and rich alike. The title-song encapsulates the band’s good vibes with a playful groove and the pair’s harmonising vocals, creating a sound that defies their stripped back set up. Musakayike should not leave you idle.”

    Pan African Music