Madagascar: Spirit Music from the Tamatave Region

Except for the period of French colonial rule from 1897 to 1960, the peoples of Madagascar have been free and independent. The Malagasy place great belief in ancestral power, evoking the spirits of ancient royalty, tromba, through possession ceremonies. These spirits are summoned to help solve problems, heal illness, and create a devotional base for a world often fractured by foreign intrusion and poverty. According to ethnomusicologist Ron Emoff, who made field recordings of the music here, the trombaceremonies are also used to creatively rework and reevaluate colonialism, “so that remnants of this once harsh force become valued components of a sacred Malagasy practice.” It is ironic to note that one of the musical instruments played by the Malagasy in these ceremonies is the accordion, a reminder of the 63-year colonial rule by the French.

Track Listing

101	Antandroy gorodora (accordion)	Very Soa, Magnampy Soa	09:06
102	Antandroy maro tady	Velontsoa Dodoka, Nofy Soa	09:31
103	Antandroy a cappella singing	Tompezolo, Avisoa, Famboara, Solo, Velontsoro	05:38
104	Antandroy mandolina	Zoembala, Magnampy Soa	06:01
105	Betsimisaraka morceaux tromba: Volamena and Volon'aomby	Ron Emoff Jily	08:22
106	Betsimisaraka tromba music on valiha	Jean Dedier	02:23
107	Sompatra	Tsiariagna, Theodore	03:06
108	Tamby Tambazo vady	Rabody Thierry	05:48
109	Betsimisaraka tromba performance on valiha	Lepity	03:45
110	Izao no zavatra nikasaina	Roger Jean Louis and family	04:37
111	Bastos	Roger Jean Louis	03:26