Madalitso Band (MALW)

Madalitso band are a two man musical army from Malawi, that will make you clap, dance, smile, and
rethink everything you thought you knew about African sound and instrumentation. Described as
‘Uplifting and Vibrant’ by the BBC, they get a crowd to their feet and smiling ear to ear. Madalitso are
authentic to the core as they craft their own instruments: "why should we buy our instruments, when we
can build our own, and get the sound we want." Yobu Malingwa plays the babatone, a home-made
instrument which is very popular in Malawi and Yosefe Kalekeni the four-string guitar, creating the
traditional Malawi banjo sound, and they are revered as musical prophets in their country and more.
Their music inside is SO strong, and it comes out effortlessly, full of syncopated rhythms, lush harmonies
and a solid back beat. Two nice guys from the village in Malawi, smiling their way around the world and
bringing dancefloors to life.
15 years ago, Madalitso Band were discovered busking outside a shopping centre. Their vibrant playing,
strong vocals and traditional style caught the attention of Emmanuel Kamwenje who recorded their first
album the same year. 2017 saw their first time to perform outside the country when they were invited to
play two shows at Sauti Za Busara in Zanzibar. They caught the attention of the BBC who featured them
on the Global Beats program, and were a big hit at the festival, bringing the whole audience to their feet
and full of smiles. The connection was then made with the famous Swiss label Bongo Joe Records who
released their last 2 albums in 2018 and 2021. The band began to tour the world in the following years,
both at unusual places with a closeness to the audience, and more prestigious stages like Acces
Conference, Womad, Roskilde, Sauti Za Busara, Sziget, FMM Sinès, Shambala, Festival des 5
Continents, Les Suds, and many more, where they always wow audiences with their down-to-earth
nature, and raw on-stage energy.
And after a gigantic tour in 2024 including their first WOMEX showcase, Madalitso Band will
return in 2025 with a new album, still produced by Bongo Joe Records, as well as a feature length
documentary highlighting their incredible journey so far!
Line Up:
Yobu Malingwa – Babatone, Voice
Yosefe Kalekeni – Four string Banjo from Malawi, foot drum, voice
Neil Nayar – Translator
Social Networks:
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/madalitsoband
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/madalitsoband/
Streaming Platforms :
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/artist/35bpEiwd4aBhgmvUEs0EQ7
Deezer : https://www.deezer.com/fr/artist/59463342