The Banjo Boys Poster

The Banjo Boys: A Music Documentary by Johan Nayar

OVERVIEW

A Story of Resilience, Music, and Connection

The Banjo Boys began as a passion project in the summer of 2019, when I set out to film the band playing at a few festivals in England. What started as a simple road trip soon evolved into something much bigger. Along the way, I met Tim Delhaes, a tech entrepreneur who, despite never having produced a film before, stepped in as producer. Together with my brother Neil, the three of us pushed this film forward until a clear vision of a feature-length documentary emerged. We saw it through to completion, and in 2024, after meeting Gary Phillips of Moviehouse at the Cannes Film Festival, we had a great connection. In 2025, we signed a deal with Moviehouse to represent us as our sales agent. This journey—from a passion project to (soon) an internationally distributed film—has been incredible.

 

THE STORY

Madalitso Band and their crazy story

Yobu and Yosefe, African street musicians of Madalitso with a deep-rooted passion for their art, cross paths with Emmanuel, a local music producer who saw their talent. Neil, a British musician captivated by Malawi’s vibrant music scene encounters this team, and begins to work with them. What begins as a chance meeting transforms into a musical odyssey spanning continents—from the dusty roads of Zanzibar to the pulsating cities of Europe and the demanding venues of the U.S.

As they navigate the challenges of life as artists, their story becomes a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural barriers, heal wounds, and connect souls. The Banjo Boys is not just a story of musical triumph—it is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the universal language of music.

ON THE ROAD

Malawi: the Warm Heart of Africa

Meeting Yobu's mum over in the village, just outside of Ncheu, was a real eye-opener. It was a powerful moment that will stay with me forever.

Out in Joshua Tree National Park

Heading out to Dave Catching's studio out in Joshua Tree, was a real blast. Not only was the music recorded my producer extraordinaire Paul Frazer, but we also had a wonderful time too.

Meet the Musicians

Two Malawian street performers whose raw talent and infectious energy have captured hearts worldwide. Their journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the ability of music to elevate lives beyond circumstances.

Yobu and Yosefe in Zanzibar for the first time

A British musician drawn to the soulful sounds of Malawi, Neil becomes both a collaborator and a bridge between cultures. His story intertwines with Yobu and Yosefe’s, demonstrating the power of cross-cultural artistic expression.

Neil Nayar on the dusty streets of Lilongwe

WATCH THE TRAILER:

VISIT MOVIEHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT

BANJO BOYS

LISTEN TO MADALITSO BAND