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Madagascar: Spirit Music from the Tamatave Region

Various Artists
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 tromba ceremonies 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

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