BACKGROUND: The Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) tool measures function and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal conditions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to translate and adapt culturally the SMFA into Chichewa, and assess its clinimetric properties. METHODS: The translated Chichewa version was administered to 53 patients with musculoskeletal disorders. To assess repeatability, an additional 20 patients answered the questionnaire twice over a time interval of two weeks. Internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, and repeatability were tested; construct validity was assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment tool (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS: There was good internal consistency for both Dysfunction and Bothersome indices (Cronbach's alpha 0.90) and good construct validity between both indices with the WHOQOL-BREF. Pearson's correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for repeatability for the Dysfunction Index were 0.941 and 0.922 (95% CI: 0.772, 0.971) respectively, and 0.877 and 0.851 (95% CI: 0.629, 0.941) for the Bothersome Index respectively. CONCLUSION: The translated Chichewa SMFA is a valid tool for populations that speak the Chichewa language.