Malawi turns on a show for Madonna

Madonna visits the Kondanani Children's village some 20 kilometres from Malawi's commercial capital Blantyre. Picture / Reuters

Madonna found herself in the audience when the Aids orphans of Malawi performed a private concert for her.

The US diva, who jetted into Malawi to inspect a $US5 million ($7.6 million) project she has funded, was serenaded during a visit to the 128 residents of an orphanage outside the economic capital Blantyre.

The orphans welcomed the star, who was accompanied by her husband Guy Ritchie, with spiritual songs and the national anthem.

Madonna's trip is clouded in secrecy with no itinerary published as Malawian authorities say she wants to keep it private. There is also some confusion about her possible plans to adopt an African Aids orphan.

Malawian authorities earlier said she was set to adopt a local boy but there has been no confirmation from the singer's camp.