| ARTIST | TITLE | NUMBER | FMT | PRICE | BUY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKOM-PAHATSIAROVANA | RATINARIVO | MA91010K | TC | 3.00 | COL |
| BODO | SOMBINAIKO | BODO | TC | £ 3.00 | |
| Local diva Bodo has a very nice voice but musically it's quite Westernised. | |||||
| DADA'S | MALAKISA | MADPRO | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| Bursting forth with their lively vocals this group from the Northern tip of the island play a style called Malakisa. Their modern sound with its brightly played keyboards and drumming throbs out the message that its time to dance. I particularly liked the slightly Irish jig sound of 'D.S.' and the bouncy beat of 'Jeanne'. (F.T.Index: D.S., Malakisa, Jeanne, Malinanao.) [9T/38M] | |||||
| DAMA ZAFIMAHELEO | MELODIES FROM MADAGASCAR | PS65124 | CD | 13.45 | COL |
| A stunning album from singer/guitarist Maheleo and friends. The music still retains its Madagascan roots which now blossom afresh with modern instrumentation, the guitar taking centre stage. Of the eleven tracks, Fiainan Antananarivo and Ambohikobaka are outstanding with Maheleo's deep velvet smooth vocals and his brilliantly crafted guitar playing. Lovely songstress Bodo turns in a beautiful duet with him on Mimosa and Sodina-flute master Le Grande Rakoto Frah plays a blinder on the more traditional sounding Dihy. There is also a new version of his top hit Voasary. FABULOUS. Originally released as TC Farakely - 1109K | |||||
| DEDESSE | SAMY AM'FOTOANANY | 1609K | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| Dedesse's extraordinary voice, sounding somewhat sweetly raspy Zulu in style with that lispy lilt, is a real treat. Seven tracks of Soukous, Zulu Jive and Salegy with only one Slow as a filler at the end! Misy Farany Raha Jiaby with it's soukous guitar is brilliant, while the others really take on the Jive style of South Africa. Guitars in the lead, drums pounding out the beat and keyboards providing the horns/accordion backing to Dedesse and the girls wonderful vocals. Lovely Album. | |||||
| D'GARRY | MALAGASY GUITAR | SHANCD65009 | CD | 13.85 | COL |
| DOORS GROUP | MANAHIRANA | MA0309 | TC | £ 5.50 | |
| EJEMA | NO PROBLEMES | MA90001K | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| Ejema playing here with the National Police Orchestra? Well I thought this is a bit suspect, (excuse the pun) but as the title said 'no problemes'. A couple of tracks are sung in passable English like the 'AIR MAD' Have a nice travel, which they play on Air Madagascar. Great music which is mainly Madagascan flavoured disco stuff, it belts along to a solid beat and there's also a couple of sentimental one's beautifully sung by Fanja. Side two sounds much more Madagascan except for the Jazz/Mbeqanga! I bet it goes down a treat in down town Antananarivo. Full text included. | 1. AYA AYA (COME AND SING WITH US) 2. AZA ELA 3. AIR MAD (HAVE A NICE TRAVEL) 4. MBOLA HOAVY 5. MANAHIRANGA 6. DJARINA BANOU 7. RAHA MBA FANTATRAO MANTSY 8. TSARA NY MODY 9. KILA OLO AMIN'NY RAHA TIANA 10. VERY JAMORA 11. VETSON'NY MAHATSIARO | ||||
| ENSEMBLE DE VALIHA DE MADAGASCAR | VALIHA | CCAC | TC | 10.00 | COL |
Valiha's are like zither's and if that has you stumped then think of a harp that is played laying flat! The twelve Ensemble members don't all play valiha's, there is also a wide variety of percussion and flutes beavering away as well. Mainly based on traditional folklore the music is far from being slow, twangy and boring it is in fact fast, even furious, has a heck of a beat, a very modern sound and will be loved by everyone who hears it. Reminded me very much of the music of the Pampas cowboys of South America but much more fragrant. A superb album. (F.T.Index: Raha Misy Potraka, Segasy, Sanganehana, O! Sa! E, Ny Lantra Mangamanga, Salama Nareo Topoko. ) [11T/37M]  | |||||
| FANJAVA | ANTAGNAVO | MA2109K | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| Fanjava led by Randrianambinina Etienne is one of the island's favourite groups and you'll have a smashing time jumping and jiving your way through all the diverse dance styles on the album. The unforgettable bawejy with its haunting mix of guitar and song The bouncy drum and guitar driven beat of the watcha tracks to say nothing of the catchy melodics of salegy and the aptly named 'sudaf' jive style. (F.T.Index: Tsao Lahosany Mamany, Aza Mifankaratsy, Antagnavo, Ny Zaza, Logomamy,Efa Indroe, Seraphine. ) [9T/37M] | |||||
| FEONALA | BATRELAKA | MA90004K | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| Modern Madagascan music with plenty of keyboard, sax, drums and some super singing from Lalao and Laurent. Typical Madagascan musical core around which the group have added modern western sounds to make a great album which still retains the unmistakable sound of the Island. Sung in local language with full text, also in French. | |||||
| GARRY | RYTHMES DU SUD | MA90016K | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| Garry (or D'Garry) and Rahely Tata share the credits on this traditional sounding but still modern album. The guitars are very much to the fore and make the running throughout but the addition of traditional style percussion and singing that comes straight from their hearts makes it really enjoyable and very varied. Ofthe twelve tracks Milamina is my favourite with Antsahely not far behind. RECOMMENDED. | |||||
| JAOJOBY | SALEGY | FMSC3025 | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| JEAN EMILIEN | HEY MADAGASCAR | 79532-4 | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| JEAN EMILIEN | MIANDRAZA | 09286-2 | CD | 13.85 | COL |
| JEAN RIGO | SANADERA | SANADERA | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| JEAN RIGO | ZAHO ANDEHE HANAMBADY | 0409K | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| Salegy and Malesa with a thumping beat. Radriamaniraka alias Jean Rigo has put together a great dance floor orientated album with loads of guitar and vibrant vocals. Even the two slow tracks are very listenable, a bit out of place but this is the normal format in Madagascar. | |||||
| LE GRAND MOSY DE MAJUNGA | VAIAVY METISSE | VAIAVY | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| Mohamed Abadallah Karim better known as the Grand Mosy comes, like guitarist Freddy from Majunga which is on the North-West coast. This is his first solo album but I am sure many of you will remember him as he was the lead singer with the group Tianjama. The album is a colourful mix covering Salegy, Bawejy, Sigoma and even Kwassa-Kwassa which is the local name for Soukous. Lovely as these fast paced songs are with their glittering guitars, pounding drums and keyboarded accordion it was the slow haunting vocals of 'Veloma Mame' that really got me in the end. (F.T.Index: Veloma Mame, Valavy Metisse, Marary N'goma, Eh Marigne, Sida. ) [9T/39M] | |||||
| LIBERTY | GOKA | LIBE | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| MADAGASCAR | LE VALIHA | PS65046MC | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| A superb album of traditional valiha and guitar music from Randafiso Sylvestre & Ramaronadrasana Jean-Baptiste on valiha and Rakotomavo Germain and Rabemananjara David on guitars. Not to be missed. 17 tracks. | |||||
| MAHALEO | EN CONCERT (50486-2) | 39914 | CD | 12.35 | COL |
| MAHALEO | MADAGASCAR | PS65157 | CD | £ 13.45 | |
| The first recording of the group Maheleo. A mythical recording which launched the group's career in 1973. Wonderful vocals. | |||||
| MAHALEO AND RATSIMBAZAFY | CHANSONS ETERNELLES | SF90001K | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| Side one features Henri Ratsimbazafy and is 'easy listening'. Sung in French by a Charles Aznavour sound alike with a very 'Parisienne' feel. Don't let that put you off as side two is MAHALEO. Beautiful acoustic guitar, flute and drum with Mahaleo's wonderful lilting vocals. The music is typically Madagascan but has some surprises in store when the flute takes the lead, you could be excused for thinking of music of the Andes! Side two makes this a must if you like Madagascan music. | |||||
| MILY CLEMENT | AKORY KABARO | OMDA2409K | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| Great vocals and happy bouncy music to get you into enjoyment mode. [8T/42M] | |||||
| MILY CLEMENT | BANJA MALALAKA | PS65137 | CD | 14.80 | COL |
| Originally released back in 1993 on cassette as Akory Kabaro - OMDA2409K. It was lovely then and its even better now its out on CD. Great vocals and happy bouncy music to get you into enjoyment mode. ( F.T.Index: Banja Malalaka, Mahavy, Mandrora Mantsilany, Tsy Moramora Mitady Vola, Akory Kabaro, Gasikara, Mahe, Mandifera. ) [8T/40M] | |||||
| MODESTE HUGUES | MODESTE MODESTE | SSCD1 | CD | £ 6.00 | |
| NINIE | TSARA OLO BE | TSARA | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| As soon as the slightly husky voice of Ninie flows out over the guitars and drums on the title track you know you're on a winner. This lovely singer hails from 'Nosy Be' or 'Big Island' which is on the North-West coast and although she teaches English at college she doesn't sing in it. The music was described to me as mainly a mix of bawejy and salegy but it was the funk influenced last track that I found outstanding. Got to No. 4 in the 1996 Madagascan charts, it should have been No. 1. (F.T.Index: Zanahary, Allo Allo, Ataonao Adala Zaho, Samy Mizaha My Tiany,Tsara Olo Be, Maro Lehilahy, Mandiniha Hely.) [9T/49M] | Track: Allo Allo | ||||
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| POOPY | ANDAO HANDIHY | MA90005K | TC | £ 3.00 | |
| An album of modern Madagascan music which reflects the changing music scene on the Island. Nice voice and nice melodies, backing from the usual keyboard, guitar and drum line up. Hardly a trace of Madagascan influence but she is very popular with the young set in the Capital. 1990. | 1. ANDAO HANDIHY 2. GINA GINA 3. SADAIKATRA 4. HAFATRA 5. EMBONA 6. TSY NETY 7. HO IRAY 8. MAMY NY MIMINA 9. DIAVOLANA | ||||
| RAMAROSON WILSON | MADAGASCAR CHANSONS ETERNELLES | MA90003K | TC | £ 3.00 | |
| The sort of music you would associate with Casablanca. No not the city, the film, a touch of the Dooley Wilson here, soft piano accompanied by bass/snare drums and sweetly sung vocals 1930/40's style. Strange stuff, but the record company say's it's very popular over there. Full text in Madagascan included. | |||||
| ROSSY | ISLAND OF GHOSTS | RWMC19 | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| ROSSY | MITAPOLAKA | MA89001K | TC | 6.00 | COL |
| A magic mix of music styles from sentimental melodies through Hi-Tech disco to modern versions of original Madagascan music. The music is driven on by the thumping beat with sweet and typically Madagascan style guitar playing and the groups smashing vocals. Beautiful music and a full text is included. | 1. VAO LASA IANAO 2. TANETY 3. RAMALALA 4. TSY HAY AKORY ATAO 5. MITAPOLAKA 6. NA DIA LAVITRA 7. HAFATRA 8. ZAZANAVELA 9. VAOVAO AZO FARANY 10. ZANADRAZANA 11. O MENAZE 12. MBA MIHETSIKETSE | ||||
| ROSSY | ONE EYE ON THE FUTURE, ONE EYE ON THE PAST | SHAN64046 | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| SOLEY | SPECIAL SOUKOUSS | PS66404 | CD | £ 8.65 | |
| The second album by Groupe Soley is not so much Soukous as as collection of the group's favourite songs that include reggae, sega, biguine and selegy plus, strangely enough, a couple of Harry Belafonte numbers such as Day 'O'. Rather nice. (9T/37M) | |||||
| TARIKA SAMMY | FANAFODY | FMSC3024 | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| TARIKA SOLEY | RAOZY MANAMBAKA RAOZY | RAOZY | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| TEARANO | TEARANO | TEARANO | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| The groups echoing style reflect the Atendroy sounds from their homeland in the South of the island and means 'Those from the thorns'. Definitely one of the brightest and most beautifully sung albums in this latest batch. Lead singer and composer Rabarison Leopol Rogers aka Popol and the wonderful girls in the chorus really give it their all in the vocal stakes. The solid percussive beat is well matched by some magic and indeed very innovative keyboard playing that overshadows the guitaring very nicely. Definitely recommended for hot summer afternoons with a few cold beers. (F.T.Index: Avy Rehe, Nao Rikiahe, Banaike, Hoy Aba, Tearano, Mipay Havelogne.) [11T/56M] | |||||
| THIERA BRUNO | VAZOMANONJA | TB2002 | CD | £ 9.95 | |
| Singer and composer Thiero was well known during the 70's and 80's and now is making a comeback with the release of this lovely new album.His softly lilting voice is perfectly matched to the fragrant guitar and drum accompaniment while it realy comes into its own on the gentler love songs. One of those albums that you can litterally drift away with. Track list: Etsy Babeko, Ity Hirako Ity, Ka Tianaova, Mafy, Mba Mahafinaritra, Nofy Ratsy, Raholy, Ravoromanidina, Seul Dans La Nuit, Tsipolitra, Tsy Laitra, Ralala, Mila Namana. (60M/13T) | Track: Ity Hirako Ity | ||||
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| TIANJAMA | ASSALAM ALEKHOUM | MA1709K | TC | £ 7.50 | |
| The first of three albums featuring 'LeGrandeMaitre' Tianjama and his group. Ican promise you he didn't get that nickname for nothing. Eight tracks of Watcha, Salegy, Sigoma and Malesa music that is simply overflowing with his superb guitar playing. Suffice it to say that singing is beautiful, the guitar as good as anything from Paris and the music wonderful. A real bit of Malagasy magic. | |||||
| TIANJAMA | HODY ZAHO AMARAY | MA0509K | TC | 7.50 | COL |
| A couple of tracks from the previous album will be found on this one but as this time all seven tracks are played in the soft keyboard/accordion style of Malesa they are almost unrecognisable. While not as dance orientated as the other two albums the music still manages to enthrall the listener with its soft vocal harmonies and bouncy guitar playing to the Malesa rhythm. RECOMMENDED. | |||||
| TIANJAMA | SOANADA | MA0209K | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Watcha, Salegy and Bawejy are the styles of music that the group play on this 60 minute & 12 track album. Watcha with its profusion of guitars sounds gorgeously East African Rumba in style, while the Salegy fairly belts along with it's bounding island beat. Bawejy seems to melt the other two styles together into a very addictive and distinctive rhythm of its own. Lovely lively vocals throughout and some incredibly beautiful guitar playing, almost Soukous style, have made this my favorite Madagascan album of all time. Totally different from the 'Euro' releases of Malagasy music, this one is essential listening. (If they ever come to the U.K. this is one group that you mustn't miss at any price). | CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MA0209K Track. Donia Regarega | ||||
| TIHAREA | TIHAREA | MWCD3020 | CD | £ 12.00 | |
| Outstanding vocal driven album from the beautiful Tiharea. | |||||
| TIRIKE | OVAO FOMBANAO | OVAO | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A hot and throbbing dance album from Etindraza Enomeany Augustin and Tirike, not to be confused with Tarike which means band. Also from the land of the thorns, they play a foot stomping style called Tsapika with a bit of Salegy thrown in for good measure. I wouldn't describe their superb guitaring as fast but I hear they've got coolers fitted! Just listen to 'em go on Tsy Mijaly, makes you wonder where Diblo goes for his holidays doesn't it? PURE MAGIC. (F.T.Index. Tsy Mijaly, Mararegn'alko, Senge Senge, Valiko Tiako, Hajalany Malaza.) [10T/51M] | CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OVAO Track. Mararegn'alko | ||||
| TIRIKE AMPANIHY | DANINA | 1409K | TC | 7.50 | COL |
| A smashing album from this trio who play modern music and songs from the south of the Island. They start out with a slow intro track but it then gathers pace with the drums driving the other eight tracks at express speed. The guitars are great with plenty of sparkling Island style riffs. The vocals are very good and the addition of a bit of more ethnic style percussion offsets the rather westernised sound of the keyboards. | |||||
| TSANGA | DELY | TSAN | TC | £ 5.00 | |
| The second album from Tsanga is a softer and more melodic affair with the accent firmly on the vocal versatility of Madagascan song. Musically it takes new directions with all sorts of influences being used to enhance the traditional styles of the island. The duet on Tsara Rinea uses a gospel background with plucked strings that sounds a bit Italian or listen to the heart string tugging vocals and semi-jive music on Misaraky. Lovely album. (F.T.Index: Dely, Misaraky, Tsika Ho Agny, Befandriana Atsimo, Jangobo Anareo Zaho, Tsara Rinea . ) [10T/41M] | |||||
| TSANGA | VOROMALALAKO | VOROMALAKO | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| Guitarist and singer Tsanga hails from the South-West of the island and is known locally as the Lionel Ritchie of Madagascar! As South African radio stations are not far away the music on side 'A' clearly shows their influence with some very nice Zulu traditional, mbaqanga and even a bit of acapella. Over on 'B' the local guitar driven Toapika style takes over with 'Anakareo' setting a blistering pace in the hot shoe shuffle stakes. Who the hell needs 'Weight Watchers' when you can dance yourself to a frazzle with the Toapika! (F.T.Index: Soa Ny Manambale, Anakareo, Se Nombia, Midoladola Ty Ampela, Voromalalako, Ka Simba, Mirengirenge. ) [10T/48M] | |||||
| TSIMIHOLE | SOAKE | TSIM | TC | 6.50 | COL |
| I've listened to loads of Madagascan albums but I must admit that I hadn't heard anything quite like this one with no two tracks even similar! The five piece group led by Tsimihole use all the various styles of the island and some influences that you can't quite put your finger on. Fast or slow, guitars and or drums, some nicely crafted keyboard and all the way through their absolutely brilliant singing. Just wait till you hear the South African Jazz, Acapella and Salegy mix of 'Banake', the Hira gasy sound of 'Meo-lera' or the 'Ladysmith' style harmony of 'Vara'. (F.T.Index: Soake, Vara, Banake, Velon-tegna, Lomallaly, Meo-lera. ) [8T/34M] Info about the cover from Mimy, Tsimihole's little brother: From left: Lahike ( backing vocals, dancer), Zan ( my cousin: backing vocals, dancer), Rova (my sister, backing vocals, dancer), I am behind Rova with the congas, far left is Tsimihole. | |||||
| VADY NAVELANI AND SAHONDRAFINA | HIRA GASY | MA90017K | TC | 7.50 | COL |
| On the cover a Madagascan fiddle player, should be interesting I thought, little knowing what was in store. This one hour tape forms just a part of an all day musical competition which is very popular in the central highlands. It starts with fiddler and M.C. Vady playing an Irish jig that is suddenly overtaken by a host of deafening French military style drummers. In their turn they are accompanied by competing male and female choirs plus the audience who not wanting to be left out of the fun, join in at every opportunity. Sounds like a madhouse? Too true, but great fun! | |||||
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | DESTINATION MADAGASCAR | MA1006 | CD | 12.00 | COL |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | LE VALIHA | PS65046 | CD | 14.80 | COL |
| A superb album of traditional valiha and guitar music from Randafiso Sylvestre & Ramaronadrasana Jean-Baptiste on valiha and Rakotomavo Germain and Rabemananjara David on guitars. Not to be missed. 17 tracks. | |||||
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | MADAGASIKARA 1 | CDORBD012 | CD | 13.35 | COL |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | MADAGASIKARA 2 | CDORBD013 | CD | 13.35 | COL |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | MEGAMIX | MA90006K | TC | 7.00 | COL |
| Madagascar's own answer to 'Madagasikara 2'. Ten tracks from some of the Islands top groups. Starts with a soft melody from CADENCE BLEUE which I thought was a bit dreary but JOHARY soon come to the rescue with a nice bouncy track which has overtones of Sax Jive! My favorite track next from TSANGA, beautiful vocals and a thumping beat. Super song and very catchy. Then another beaut from disco group BARTH followed by a bit of magic from the Islands best known group ROSSY. Next is a strange choice from EJEMA as they have chosen one which features Fanja who only sings two tracks on their album and not in their usual style. Then on to POOPY and a French disco style track. Madagascan sound to the front in the drum and guitar playing on this fragrant piece from LILA. Then crash into MAX EXCEPTION with their 'Disco Mad' style. FEON'ALA finish of with their thumping title track Batrelaka. Great compilation. | |||||
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | MUSIQUES DE MADAGASCAR | 92537-2 | CD | 12.50 | COL |
| Superb compilation of songs from Levelo, Zakaria, D'Garry, Barth and Tianjama. Beautifully played music which features acoustic guitar, drums, kabaosa (a small lute) and flute.The singing of all the artists with or without their chorus is also very good. Not to be missed. (15T/57M) | |||||
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | SALEGY COMPILATION | SACO | TC | £ 6.50 | |
| This compilation album features a cracking set of Salegy dance tracks with contributions from the following top artists - Mily Clement (from Akory Kabaro - OMDA2409K) Poopy *, Fanjava (from Antagnavo - MA2109K), Liberty (from Goka - LIBE), Batmen Music*, Feon'ala*, Tianjama (from Soanada - MA0209K), Dedesse*, J.B.* & Jean Rigo*. (F.T.Index: They are all good and in brackets you will find the album that the track has been released on, all of which are in stock. If it is marked * then the track is only available on this compilation. ) [10T/49M] | |||||
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | VALIHA MALAGASY | 4644922 | CD | 8.99 | COL |