Madalitso band are a two-man powerhouse from Malawi, and we are thrilled to welcome them back after playing at Shambala in 2023. Their ‘uplifting and vibrant’ (BBC) charm will have you beaming with wonder and on your feet dancing.
Their first album was produced by Bongo Joe records and the band has performed across a host of international stages like Womex, Womad and Roskilde Festival. 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, along with ringing harmonies. 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.