The Madalitso Experience: The Banjo Boys (doc) + Madalitso Band (2 venues)
About this Event
The Madalitso Experience comes to Southampton for the first time, in partnership with City Eye Film Network. Following a phenomenally successful London premiere, this special evening brings together an award-winning documentary screening of The Banjo Boys at Harbour Lights Cinema and a live performance from Madalitso Band at The Brook — a rare chance to experience both the story and the sound of one of world music's most compelling live acts one year after their Glastonbury debut.
🎬 The Film: The Banjo Boys
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.
🎵 The Live Experience: Madalitso Band
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.
✨ Why This Event Is Special
- 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 remaining UK event this year.
🎟️ Who It’s For
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
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 PM - 08:15 PM
The Banjo Boys (documentary + director's Q&A)
🕑: 08:15 PM - 08:45 PM
Travel to the Brook: 466 Portswood Road, SO17 3SD
🕑: 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Madalitso Band (concert)
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 20.21
