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Language:

Malagasy

Genre:

Accoustic afropop

Instrument:

Vocals Valiha Marovany (sitar) Kabosy (guitar) Drums Bass

Biography

This is one of the leading groups from Madagascar, formerly known by the name of “Tarika Sammy”. They base their music on the traditional in this special part of Africa that, among other things, is known for its unique flora and fauna. The group was formed in 1983 by Sameola Adriamalalaharijaona (!) in Antananarivo, the capitol of Madagascar. Tarika plays catchy, acoustic music based on the traditional stringed instruments valiha and marovany – a type of sitar – together with kabosy, Malagasy guitar. There’s also lokanga, a sort of three stringed violin. In addition, there is French influence coming into Madagascar’s folk music via accordion. Also to be found are elements from Polynesia and the Middle East in Africa’s once “green island”. Sammy Tarika is represented on several compendium albums, but the group’s career didn’t really take off until 1992, when sisters Hanitra and Noro came on board as vocalists and composers. The name was then amended to just “Tarika” and their stock replenished.
The group collaborated on David Lindley and Henry Kaiser’s successful album, “World Out Of Time” in1992, together with Rossy and D’Gary among others. The latter is Madagascar’s leading guitarist. In 1994 Tarika took off on a tour of Europe that, as has been seen, was very successful. Tarika’s last three albums have done really well and received glittering reviews in Madagascar as well as in Europe and the USA. In 1999 the group signed a new contract with BMG for four new albums.

Relevant artists:
Rossy

BIBIANGO
Xenophile/Green Linnet/1994

SON EGAL  
Xenophile/Green Linnet/1997

An exciting acoustic album where the traditional stringed instruments are supplemented with electric bass and percussion. The sisters, Hanitra and Nono, sing well and captivatingly and the lyrics speak of historical events on the island. Central is the rebellion of 1947 when the French sent in Senegalese troops. These troops were supposed to help the French quell the rebellion. The Senegalese (and several other African nations from what by then was known as “French Africa”, who were represented among the soldiers) were much darker skinned than the Malagasy population, a fact that in later years was used to frighten small children: “Look out, or the Senegalese will come and get you!” The Senegalese fraternised with the Malagasy, a subject that has been almost taboo on the island. But Tarika broaches the subject and has created a very successful album. A 17 page libretto and information pack accompanies the album.

D  
Xenophile/Green Linnet/1998

A new strong album from this vital group. This time they have presented some of the old songs that were popular on Madagascar in the 1970s, and arranged them in their own traditional fashion. The title “D” stands for “Dihy”, which means dance in Malagasy, and it really swings here! Many disparate dances and rhythms from the island’s 18 tribes are represented; the disk is varied and unpredictable in the most positive sense of the word. Sisters Hanitra and Nono sing sparklingly and the three multi-instrumentalists, Donne, Ny Ony and Solo treat their traditional stringed instruments in a manner that is a joy to behold and hear. Electric guitar is woven in in some places, with an almost punk-like energy. On other songs you can hear violin, harmonica and clarinet, and these seem just as natural. The cover and enclosed written lyrics are solid and thorough, and do not weaken the impression of Tarika. This is original and good.

SOUL MAKASSAR
Sakay/Triloka/2001

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