Directed and Edited by Johan Nayar
They met on the streets. The world became their stage.
When two Malawian street performers encounter a British travelling musician, an opportunity arises that takes them on a journey from the dusty streets of Malawi to the stages of Zanzibar, Europe and the US, confronting the harsh realities of life as artists and embracing the transformative power of music.
🏆 Audience Award Winner - London Breeze Film Festival
🏆 Jury Award Winner - La Femme Independent Film Festival
🏆 Audience Award Winner - La Femme Independent Film Festival
Audience Award Citation
"This documentary brought so much joy and life affirmation to the audience on opening night and to its encore audience yesterday. It is a powerful and moving story of resilience, community and how music and creativity can bring us together and offer us hope."
Director & Editor: A Feature Documentary
A Story of Resilience, Music, and Connection
I was the director and editor of The Banjo Boys, a feature-length documentary following Malawian street musicians from Lilongwe to international stages. Partially filmed in Malawi and fully edited in Bournemouth, Dorset, the project grew from a small festival tour in England into a fully realised cinematic story.
Working closely with producer Tim Delhaes and my brother Neil, we shaped the film into a compelling narrative. In 2024, after connecting with Gary Phillips of Moviehouse at the Cannes Film Festival, the film secured representation for international sales and distribution in 2025.
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.
Malawi: the Warm Heart of Africa
Out in Joshua Tree National Park
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.
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.
Watch the Trailer:
International Sales Agent
