Intuitive, authentic, and full of ruthless rhythms, the duo from Malawi known as Madalitso made their international debut at Zanzibar’s Sauti za Busara festival in 2017. Since then, the band has taken Europe by storm, and are poised to be introduced to North American audiences. Madalitso will make you clap, dance, smile, and rethink everything you thought you knew about music from the African continent.

Since their debut Madalitso has been featured on BBC Africa and performed at such prestigious festivals like WOMAD UK as well as Roskilde in Denmark. Madalitso was first discovered by a local producer in 2009 while the band was busking on the streets of Lilongwe. Eight years on, their debut at Sauti za Busara festival brought the band to worldwide attention. Six months later they were on a plane to Europe for a two week tour, the first time they had ever travelled by airplane. Their down-to-earth nature and raw onstage energy endeared them to European audiences. Every year since they have increased the number of weeks they have toured in Europe, going up to nine weeks on tour. Their second album was released in 2019 by Bongo Joe Records (Geneva) who instantly fell in love with the Madalitso ethos, which is grounded in the question: “Why should we buy our instruments when we can build our own, and get the sound we want?”

For all Millennium Stage performances, a limited number of advance reservations are available on a first come, first served basis. Advance reservations do not guarantee a seat, and patrons are encouraged to arrive early.

Online advance reservations for a given performance date will open on a rolling basis, opening every Wednesday two weeks out from the date.

For live Millennium Stage performances free tickets will also be available at the Hall of States Box Office on the day of the performance, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Seating is first come, first served. Standing room is available behind the seated area as space allows.