Need music that’ll add some cheer into your life? Then try out Madalitso Band’s latest LP on Bongo Joe Records, Musakayike.
Available today on black or red clay vinyl and digital, this album features the Malawian band serving up infectious rhythms with the most minimal of set ups. Armed with just a four string acoustic guitar, a homemade long-necked babtoni and a cow-skin kick drum in addition to their sweetly harmonizing vocals, the former Lilongwe street band produces a sound that is both exhilarating and deeply pleasant.
Between the group’s rustically folk instrumentation, soulful vocals and uptempo grooves, it’s impossible to hear their music without feeling immediately uplifted. This is especially true on the smoothly melodic “Mwandikumbutsa,” which almost sounds like a Malawian response to Lola Versus Powerman-era Kinks.
Another fine moment on this mellow and joyful record is the closing track, “Jingo Janga.” The group tightly locks into an upbeat rhythmic pattern, and then uses that as a springboard to launch their vocals soaring into the stratosphere. The Madalitso Band’s impressive singing talent is on major display throughout the record. However, with the way they use their voices like a multifaceted instrument here, this song is perhaps the greatest example of their vocal chops.
Tranquil, fun and always rich with ear candy, Musakayike possesses a unique sound that any Afropop fan would salivate over. Click here to get your copy of this addictive album today.
-KH
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