Madalitso

from Mau a Malawi: Stories of AIDS by Peter Mawanga & Andrew Finn Magill

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about

Abandoned by his mother aged 9, Madalitso (now 18) became the sole protector and parent of his now-12 year old brother Joseph. It's unclear whether Madalitso received HIV through a tainted blood transfusion for congenital heart failure or at birth from his mother. Madalitso loves photography, reggae, and singing. Above all, he loves his brother, who he wants to see finish school one day. "Me, myself I'm happy because blessings is all over." -Mada

lyrics

Nine years old
That's when mom went away
My Dad had died in an accident, leaving us brothers to pay
"Oh hey this heart of mine, weakened more by grief
I will raise this brother of mine, Joseph he will raise me

I know I can't pretend
I'm ever at the end
So come what may
Joseph don't fear. We'll be ok

My name is Madalitso. I was born in 1992. I live in Lilongwe, Malawi. I have HIV/AIDS but me I don't care about that. I don't care about that because I stay with my brother, Joseph. My brother is negative..no HIV. Me, myself, I'm happy because blessings is all over.

Oh deep in this heart of mine, I know I'm healing inside
I am raising this brother of mine, it's what has kept me alive

credits

from Mau a Malawi: Stories of AIDS, released October 12, 2011
Stephon Lamar: English lead vocal (sung)
Madalitso Usi: English (spoken)
Kaitlin Houlditch-Fair: piano
Andrew Finn Magill: steel-string guitar
Dryson Mwimba: drums

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about

Andrew Finn Magill Asheville, North Carolina

For twenty years violinist/fiddler and composer Andrew Finn Magill has been pursuing parallel careers in traditional Irish music, Brazilian choro, jazz and American fiddle and he has performed with everyone from grammy-nominees Trio Brasileiro to Rising Appalachia. ... more