Pick of the Week - Tik Tu & Madalitso Band (Ukraine/Malawi)

That time musicians from Ukraine and Malawi collaborated on a song and video.

An unlikely collaboration? Perhaps. In 2020, Madalitso Band (Malawi) and Tik Tu (Ukraine) got together - remotely - to do a song and video. The duo that comprise Madalitso Band spent many years playing on the streets of Lilongwe, capital of Malawi, before getting out to see the world - including Ukraine.

One thing led to another and a fun and amazingly catchy song was the result. It's called "Sitimamenya" and I've listened to it many, many times.

As noted in the video notes, "The word 'sitimamenya' in Chichewa language means 'let's not beat'. The song calls for another way of interacting with children. Conflicts with them shouldn’t be resolved by force and negativity, kids should be allowed to fool around and have fun."

Madalitso Band released their debut LP Wasalala in 2019.

Here are some short videos that give background on the collaboration.