We represented Africa – Madalitso
Madalitso Band, the duo of Yosefe Kalekeni and Yobu Maligwa, returned home on Tuesday after touring France, where they made their own record holding 36 concerts in 45 days.
Armed with their instruments – acoustic guitar and one-stringed guitar known as Babatoni—the duo performed in different places in France including the capital – Paris, Lille, Toulouse and Nantes.
Their last performance was last weekend, when they once again shined, treating people to their traditional music from Malawi – Southern Africa and also Africa as a whole.
Upon arrival, the duo was excited to be home, having left the country in June.
“We missed our families. But, all in all, we are happy to be home and it was another exciting moment, of course different from these other tours because, this time, we have restrictions due to Covid,” Maligwa, who plays the Babatoni, said.
Co-Manager Neil Nayar, who travelled with them, said Madalitso is coming back home after leaving a good reputation.
“We were the only African band on tour. Many African bands cancelled their tours until next year due to Covid. We wanted to give up too but we managed to convince all the organisers that we were coming,” Nayar said.
He said, through their tour, they managed to reach out to different audiences.
“Another thing worthy of note is that France is used to Western African sound and, so, it was a different feel for many to experience the spirit of African sound from Malawi and Southern Africa,” he said.
Nayar, who is also a musician, said Madalitso raised the Malawi and African flag higher.
“In all the places we performed, we got standing ovations and people connected well to Madalitso’s sound. We played at smaller venues and huge festivals,” he said.
Nayar said with their reputation growing, they are looking forward to more tours next year.
“We have so many bookings on our plate and that is because of the sound Madalitso gives. It’s pure African sound and very different. We hope the money they got this time will enable them to finish their house projects and other projects they are doing,” he said.
