The Banjo Boys Film Screening + Filmmaker Q&A

Screening at Solent University Cinema with filmmaker Q&A

When two Malawian street performers encounter a British travelling musician, an opportunity arises that takes them on a journey from the dusty streets of Malawi to the stages of Zanzibar, Europe and the US, confronting the harsh realities of life as artists and embracing the transformative power of music.

The Banjo Boys follows the rise of Madalitso Band, a Malawian duo—Yobu Maligwa and Yosefe Kalekeni—who built their own instruments into a banjo, a one-stringed babatone (bass), and a foot drum, crafting a sound that gets people on their feet. Once dismissed as madmen for their relentless street performances in Lilongwe, they catch the ear of Neil Nayar, a British musician captivated by Malawi’s vibrant soul. What begins as a chance meeting ignites an unlikely trio, catapulting them from local streets to the world’s biggest stages.

The film traces their evolution from busking for survival during Malawi’s 2002 famine to captivating audiences at festivals like Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar, WOMAD in the UK, and Joshua Tree in California. Alongside their rise, The Banjo Boys portrays their struggles—visa woes, personal losses, and the tension of cultural divides—revealing the grit behind their joyous performances.

Yobu’s spiritual visions and pastoral role, Yosefe’s quiet resilience forged in childhood hunger, and Neil’s quest for purpose weave a narrative of human connection amid chaos. We also meet Rice, one of the original members of the band, who left to go to school but later ended up in prison for murder.

As they tour Europe, the US, and beyond, their minimalist sound—rooted in Malawian traditions yet resonant worldwide—becomes a bridge across continents. The documentary crescendos with their 2023 world tour, a testament to their enduring bond and the blessings (Madalitso) they embody. Through intimate interviews, electrifying performances, and candid moments of doubt and triumph, The Banjo Boys celebrates music’s ability to uplift, unite, and rewrite destinies against all odds.