Afropop Worldwide

Classic Streams
on Afropop Worldwide

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Madagascar

From Afropop Worldwide's "A Visit To Madagascar," "Weekend In Antananarivo," and "Madagascar Update."

A Visit to Madagascar

To prepare the way for Afropop Worldwide's musical adventure in Madagascar this April, we encore this classic report from the Big Island. Famed singer-songwriter Mahaleo lays out the diverse musical landscape for us-music from the high plateau, the fertile west and the coast.

Program Log:
Georges intro, story of formation of the group Mahaleo, survey of different regional styles
Visit to home of Malagasy star Rossy
About the different variants of the valiha, considered the island's national instrument.
History and examples of Sova music, protest music originated by descendants of slaves from the highlands around Antananarivo

Weekend In Antananarivo

Getting psyched for the April 2001 Afropop Adventure in Madagascar with intrepid Afropop listeners (armchair travelers can follow via dispatches sent to our web site, and radio listeners will hear musical highlights later in the spring), here's an Afropop Classic from our 1996 visit to the capital of Madagascar. We catch Dama Mahaleo, leader of the roots revival movement from the 1970s, in concert. We also visit a hiragasy musical theater competition.And check out the amazing guitar playing from Tulear, on the west coast of the island (where Afropoppers will be heading).

Program Log:
Dama Mahaleo in concert in capital (called "Tana" for short).
Hiragasy music competition recorded live by Georges.
Vaomby performing live in Tana. In interview, he tells his story about gold mining in the north to start his group.

Madagascar Update

Madagascar Update

A broad sweep of the lush sounds of modern Madagascar--from radio star Ricky, to Tarika collaborating with Senegalese musicians, to a tsapika guitar band from Tulear, and more.

Program Log:
Discussion of Tarika's 1997 release "Son Egal," which looks back on a hundred year history of the French bringing Senegalese troops to Madagascar and fast forwards to a creative collaboration between today's Senegalese musicians (from Baaba Maal's band) and Tarika.
Georges introduces vast array of Malagasy topography and music.
International radio waves in Madagascar. Local radio features local and international sounds.
Tsapika and other roots guitar styles in Madagascar.
Story of famadihana (ritual bone-turning) of valiha master Rakotozafy
Story of Mama Sana, veteran valiha player from the west coast.
Story of Mama Sana, veteran valiha player from the west coast.