MADAGASCAR

The group POZA plays street songs from Odessa, a free port on the Black Sea, which for many years provided a safe haven for thousands of people from Eastern Europe and Asia MinorAlik Kopyt was born in that city. A crystal-clear emerald sea, sea air, the tang of seaweed, the colourful language of the fishmongers… were all part of his childhood. As was the music of the singer and accordionist The valiha, a tube zither producing a delightfully sweet, smooth sound, is one of the oldest instruments of Madagascar. It has become the symbol of cultural unity in the island. Since primitive times, it has accompanied cultural events, daily life, and even political situations as a symbol of peace (a valiha player was sent to the adversary as a sign that talks could begin, to avoid bloodshed). On this CD, Sylvestre Randafison and Jean-Baptiste Ramaronandrasana, valihas, play great pieces from the traditional Malagasy repertoire, accompanied by Germain Rakotomavo and David Rabemananjara, guitars.

Tracks and Samples:

1. Afindrafindrao [traditionnel] (2:47)
2. Sento [bally] (1:40)
3. Mahagaga [s.randafison] (2:33)
4. Takariva diavolana [bally] (1:45)
5. Falifaly [traditionnel] (2:27)
6. Angola [traditionnel] (2:20)
7. Ny lanitra mangamanga [s.randafison] (2:55)
8. Milalao ny ankizy [bally] (1:36)
9. Hafatra [traditionnel] (2:27)
10. Torapo [bally] (1:55)
11. Apela mataho-drango mavo [traditionnel] (2:43)
12. Tsara tsodrano [bally] (2:06)
13. Lehilahy mody [traditionnel] (2:48)
14. Maneritery loha [s.randafison] (2:44)
15. Izahay sy i malala [traditionnel] (3:28)
16. Somambisamby [traditionnel] (2:34)
17. Mifohaza rabetorimaso [traditionnel] (2:56)