In many ways, Malawi’s Madilitso Band are an enigma; a prime example is that they remain far better known in Europe than in their own country. Whilst an upcoming documentary recounting the Madalitso’s story, entitled The Banjo Boys, might garner greater domestic recognition, the release of Ma Gitala is destined to further expand their ever-growing reputation with Western audiences.
However, the success of Yobu Maligwa and Yosefe Kelekeni, the two musicians who make up the band, has not been achieved overnight, as a basic outline of their history reveals. Yobu, born in a small rural village, eschewed the football played by his peers, engrossing himself in one thing only: music. Yosefe had the same sole interest, wetted after seeing a local playing a basic guitar,…