Alefa Madagascar (2Lp)

Strut continues its essential compilation series of Indian Ocean sounds with the first compilation to document the unique culture of salegy, soukous and soul on the island during the 70s and 80s. Originating as far back as the 15th Century through folkloric ceremonial music and an a cappella chanting style called antsa, salegy emerged as a fast-tempoed local dance style based on 6/8 and 12/8 rhythms. By the 60s, radio was bringing in new sounds from the Congo, Mozambique, South Africa and Kenya and Jean Francois de Comarmonds Discomad label championed a new generation of artists breaking the mould with their own new fusions of styles as electric instruments replaced the traditional. The strong call-and-response dialogues, rich vocal choruses and rolling triplet feel in the rhythm sections all boasted a unique Malagasy sensibility and singles started selling tens of thousands of copies, rivalling any foreign music at the time. Alefa Madagascar showcases the rich variety of sounds during this heyday of Malagasy music: Roger Georges Mama and Jean Kely et Basths Andosy Mora bring the raw energy of salegy, influential band Los Matadores drop military drums and Hammond soul in the classic Andeha Hanarato; Mahaleos Izahay Mpamita showcases the bands powerful folk sound, a crucial voice emerging from the Rotaka farmer and student protests of 1972, while TerakAnosy Group work around a stomping Congolese guitar groove. The era paved the way for many of the household names of Malagasy

Tracks

Details

Format: Vinyl LP
Artist: Various Artists
Release Date: 13 September 2019
Genre: World Music
Label: K7/Strut
Distributor: MGM Music