Emap.FM - Internet Radio: Fandaharana Baobab on demand

2002/04/17: Madagascar has six provinces, each with their own musical traditions, characteristic instruments and distinct rhythms. The music of the people of the central highlands was the most strongly influenced by European models. None the less, these were to a great extend absorbed into local culture, which led to the development of several hybrid forms. Contrary to the flourishing dance-music of the inhabitants of coastal districts, the music of the highlands is more vocally orientated

The 6 Provinces: Mahajanga

2002/04/10: Madagascar has six provinces, each with their own musical traditions, characteristic instruments and distinct rhythms. The variety of musical forms is especially great in the province of Mahajanga in the north-west of the island because of both the ethnic diversity of its people (including imigrants from the highlands and the southern regions), the connections with the nearby Comoro Islands and strong influences from Africa. Some of Madagascar's most popular dance rythms are associated with the Mahajanga province: the malesa, bawejy, kaoitry, antosy and watcha

The 6 Provinces: Toamasina

2002/04/03: Madagascar has six provinces, each with their own musical traditions, characteristic instruments and distinct rhythms. Toamasina, in the east of the island, encompasses a great diversity of musical styles. Western influence was strong as early as in the 19th century. Acculturated styles include musics to the accordion, an instrument which is popular even in remote areas. More indigenious in origin and style are musical genres with the valiha case-zither. The undisputed master of this instrument was Rakotozafy, who died some 15 years ago

The 6 Provinces: Antsiranana

2002/03/27: Madagascar has six provinces, each with their own musical traditions, characteristic instruments and distinct rhythms. Antsiranana, in the north of the island, is the birthplace of the salegy. Leading masters of this fast 6/8 dance rhythm include Jaojoby and salegy queen Ninie, as well as more localised musicians like Alain d'Andapa and Alain Sambava. Our program futher features traditional local music with strong Arabic influences and some fine examples of more Western oriented popular music, thus giving an impression of the wide diversity of styles found throughout the north of the Great Island