Malawi Mouse Boys

Malawi Mouse Boys

Malawi Mouse Boys are a gospel group from Malawi, made up of eight members who have played music together and written songs since childhood. Their songs draw on faith and love, and their recorded work is described as rooted in rural gospel traditions.

Background

The group comes from rural Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world. When they are not making music, they earn money selling mice on sticks, a local snack for travellers; this is the origin of their name. They also play on rudimentary guitars made from recycled scrap-metal parts.

Recording and release

Their first album, He is #1, is a collection of 14 songs and is their first release to appear outside Malawi. It is also noted as the first release in the language of Chichewa outside Malawi. The album is produced by Ian Brennan.

Members

The line-up includes Zondiwe Kachingwe on vocals, Alfred Gavana on vocals and guitar, Gerard Haju on drums, Laurence Mpombe on vocals, Austine Banda on guitar, Nelson Muligo on lead guitar and vocals, Jameson Lufeyo on vocals, and Patrick Muhondo on bass and vocals.

Associated personnel

Ian Brennan is identified as the producer of the album. He is also described as having worked with Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio, Flea, Lucinda Williams, Jonathan Richman and Richard Thompson, and as a three-time GRAMMY nominee.