The Madalitso Experience: The Banjo Boys (doc) + Madalitso Band

Step into a truly unique night of music and storytelling with The Madalitso Experience, coming to London in partnership with the Earl's Court Film Festival. This special event brings together an award-winning documentary screening and an intimate live performance—offering audiences a rare chance to experience both the story and the sound of one of the world’s most compelling musical acts.

At the heart of the evening is The Banjo Boys, a powerful, four-time award-winning documentary (including the Audience Award at the London Breeze Film Festival). The film charts the extraordinary rise of Madalitso Band—Yobu Maligwa and Yosefe Kalekeni—from street performers in Lilongwe, Malawi, to internationally touring artists.

Blending intimate storytelling with electrifying music, the film captures their journey through hardship, creativity, and global recognition. From performing to survive during Malawi’s famine to appearing at renowned festivals like WOMAD, Sauti za Busara and Joshua Tree Music Festival, their story is one of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of music.

Following the screening, the story comes alive as Madalitso Band take to the stage.

Using handmade instruments—a banjo, a one-string babatone bass, and a foot drum—the duo create a raw, high-energy sound rooted in Malawian tradition yet universally uplifting. Their performances are joyful, hypnotic, and deeply human—connecting audiences across cultures with rhythm, humour, and spirit.

Having toured internationally across Europe and the United States, this is a rare opportunity to see them perform in an intimate London setting—directly after witnessing their journey on screen.

• Film + Live Performance in One Night – an immersive, emotionally rich experience
• Award-Winning Documentary – critically recognised and audience-loved
• Authentic Global Music – far from the mainstream, deeply rooted in tradition
• One of the Only Chances in 2026 – currently the only confirmed UK event this year
• Complimentary Drink Included – enjoy a drink on arrival as part of the experience

If you seek out meaningful cultural experiences, value authenticity over hype, and believe music should tell real stories—this night is for you. Perfect for lovers of world music, documentary cinema, and intimate live performance.

The Banjo Boys - official trailer

The poster for the Banjo Boys

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Troubadour, 265-267 Old Brompton Road, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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