Roots and rebellion: Wailing Brothers, the band that launched Malawi’s reggae king, set for triumphant comeback

The legendary outfit that backed Evison Matafale during the very birth of his music career is dusting off their instruments for a comeback show — nearly 25 years after the reggae icon’s tragic death shook the nation.

Wailing Brothers, the band Matafale recorded his groundbreaking debut album Kuimba 1 with back in 1999, are set to take to the stage this Saturday, marking the first of a string of shows billed as “Undiluted Roots Reggae Revival.”

The band’s story stretches back even further than Matafale himself. Formed in 1994 by the late Elias Chokani, the group cut its teeth in an era when Malawi’s sole broadcaster, MBC Radio 1, was virtually the only recording option available — and a notoriously restrictive one at that.

It was into this scrappy family outfit that a young Matafale was welcomed, alongside names like Romeo, Yohane Kanjunju, Michael Jana and Kingsley Chikaphupha.

When Matafale exploded onto the scene in 2000 with Kuimba 1, fresh from a stint in Zimbabwe, it was Wailing Brothers standing behind him — before he went on to found Black Missionaries and cement his status as Malawi’s uncrowned reggae king, only to die in police custody in November 2001 at just 32, a death that sparked riots and remains shrouded in controversy to this day.

Now, more than two decades on, it’s Elias’s brother Paul Chokani — a drummer — who has stepped up to revive the legacy, teaming up with lead guitarist brother Takudziwani to bring the band roaring back to life.

Announcing the shows, which will hit Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu, Chokani said the comeback is all about giving the fans what they’ve been crying out for.

The opening night kicks off at Club 247 at Kameza Roundabout in Blantyre — the band’s first appearance since headlining the 2025 Tumaini Festival at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa.

“This is in response to our fans’ demands. We have to respect them and bring them music to continue the Matafale legacy,” said Chokani.

Fans can expect a stacked lineup, with Haxi Momba, Matafale’s own half-brother Toza, Anold Fumulani, The Peace Soul-Jahs and Amalitiri all set to share the stage.

Amalitiri frontman Oyamba “Kamoyoka” Jimjim confirmed his group has thrown its full weight behind the revival shows.

“We are getting set for the shows and we are looking forward to dishing out the best,” he said — teasing that the band is also cooking up three new singles, due for release by December.