The film on the Malawian duo known as Madalitso Band, recounts the captivating story of this accidental trio, their individual lives and their shared love of music. It then follows the protagonists into the future to their first ever World Tour tour (2023). It’s the story of how even small steps forward always lead to luck, of how naivety allows us to defy all odds and how passion builds resilience. As a result, together, these individuals are able to transform their lives, the lives of those that surround them and strike a chord with their audience in a dozen countries.
Our film is unearthing the underlying threads that result in the serendipitous nature of the storyline. The joy and pain of a musical trio, their heartfelt personal stories and their captivating music will not only entertain, but inspire the audience to build their own instruments of change.
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The movie production is a continuation of the way the band has evolved: a grassroots initiative bootstrapped with the help of many individuals that have been captivated by the story as well as sharing a passion for film, media and technology.
The team has been able to obtain small amounts of funding from different sources (including the Near Foundation and AstroDAO) but mostly benefited from voluntary work. While we are seeking further funding, we intend to keep the production lean and most of all a fun experience.
The producer’s passion for blockchain technology has led us to set up a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) instead of a classical LLC. As a DAO, we can achieve a higher degree of transparency, provide more opportunities for member participation, and reduce administrative overheads. Furthermore, it allows us to rely on innovative mechanisms like NFTs to reward contributions and obtain funding for the project. All funds received by the DAO – be it donations, investments, or licensing revenue – will be accounted for transparently as much as possible. All excess funds (or profits) will be retained in the DAO treasury and managed by the DAO members to support further film, music, and art projects in the region.
The vision for The Banjo Boys was brought to life by Johan Nayar, a passionate filmmaker with a keen eye for storytelling and a love for music. Johan’s journey with the band began in 2017 when he first met them at a show in Lyon. It was also a significant reunion, as it was the first time in many years that Johan had seen his brother Neil Nayar, who had been living in Malawi.
In 2019, the band, with Neil, arrived in England for the first time. During this visit, Johan created a short documentary titled Madalitso, capturing the week they spent together. This short film was selected for the Sound Unseen Documentary Festival and served as a proof of concept for the feature-length version of The Banjo Boys.
In September 2021, a chance meeting in Liwonde National Park set the stage for the project’s revival. Neil Nayar met Tim Delhaes, a nomadic tech entrepreneur, and their families quickly became friends. Over beers and shared stories, Neil, Tim, and Johan decided to reignite the documentary project. With Johan at the helm as director and editor, they secured a small grant from the Near Foundation and began to build a dedicated team.
Tim Delhaes stepped in as the lead producer, leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in technology to drive the project’s innovative approach. Neil Nayar, with his background in music and management, took on the role of the accidental band manager. Together, they formed the core team, committed to capturing the essence of The Banjo Boys.
As the project gained momentum, more talented individuals joined the team. Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe, with his extensive experience in the film industry, brought a wealth of knowledge and connections, further elevating the project’s potential. Satesh Mathura, with his passion for media and technology, added a dynamic edge to the production, ensuring it remained cutting-edge and engaging.
Under Johan’s leadership, the team has grown continuously, attracting contributors, promoters, and participants who share their vision. As the project evolves, they are seeking help in various areas:
Johan Nayar’s unwavering dedication and the collaborative spirit of his team have been instrumental in bringing The Banjo Boys to life. Together, they blend music, technology, and storytelling to create a documentary that will resonate with audiences around the world.