Live music in Madagascar

29 oct 2015 - 15:58

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

By Niry Ravoninahidraibe

This text provides an overview of the live music scene in Madagascar. Madagascar has a vibrant live scene with a ‘top ten’ of established concert venues, set up according to the size and popularity of the venue as well as status of the performing artists. Festivals are also opportunities for live music, although most promoters have their eyes only on artists of ‘tropical’ music.

Antakarana, a band from Madagascar. photo by Le Télégramme

Venues

On the list of top ten concert places in Madagascar, the Germano-Madagascan Centre (DMC) comes first. It is a place where one is sure to witness a great show, provided by a renowned artist or group or even a novice, local or foreign. This is one of the best options for fun on Fridays. The DMC is a cultural centre with a casual ambience, almost like a local bar, and there is no great barrier between artists and fans - in other words a friendly atmosphere reigns.[i]. In second place, the Institut Français de Madagascar (IFM), also in the capital, is a cultural centre geared more to foreign music. The theatre is great and music programming is usually focussed on Fridays from around 7pm.[ii]

In third place comes in the smaller, discrete, narrow but nice Ambatonakanga Pub, located upstream after the Planet restaurant. The hall limits its intake but has become a popular place to see a concert and enjoy a drink. Since 2014, this place has become an essential part of the Malagasy live music scene. The stage welcomes all kinds of music - big names as well as inexperienced artists have performed here.[iii]

In fourth place comes the French Alliances of the whole island, though the capital may appear to be active. In the provinces they are some of the leading concert venues, without counting the clubs such as the Madagascan Centre for the Development of Public Reading and Cultural Activity (CEMDLAC) located in Analakely, close to the Institut Français but on the side of the station.[iv]

In the fifth place of stage classing for musical variety are those venues dedicated to cabaret performances, such as the auditorium of the Carlton Hotel, Paprika[v], SK Melody on the outskirts just over 10km from Antananarivo; Le Pavé and Piment Café. These venues are typically used by more experienced artists who have a loyal following. In number six one can name larger outdoor venues where the most popular artists perform, such as Alarobia Stadium, Anosimasina Itaosy and The Coliseum. In the seventh position are popular venues for artists from the coast, such as Jao’s Pub and Glacier[vi].

In the eighth place are the venues that are only used rarely and where the most popular artists perform, such as the Mahamasina Sports Palace[vii], one of the largest stadiums in the capital, the Esca Cultural Center (CCESCA), the Antsahamanitra Garden and the Andohalo Garden[viii]. These can host many people and have open-air stages. The latter now regularly welcomes ‘Hiragasy’ artists.The ninth place, the Garden of Ambohijatovo and Tranom-pokonolona in Analakely are used on rare occasions but always with great, accessible facilities. In last place we have small venues, similar to the Ambatonakanga Pub except that most host low-key music events. These include Mojo Bar By no comment, Tana Arts Café, Joe Bananas and Outcool.

Festivals

Unfortunately Madagascar lacks promoters and producers, but that has not prevented the rise of talented artists. Some of them strike gold by finding the path towards recognition, in three ways: (1) international tours; (2) earning a living on music professionally, and (3) permanently pleasing others. Still, the scenes and festivals are occasional opportunities. Promoters and artists can meet at festivals like Mamahoaka in Antsirabe, located 150km from the capital; and the Zegny Zo Festival at the north of the island.

With regards to Antananarivo, the Madajazzcar Festival[ix] is exclusively for jazz musicians and fans. Another festival of live music is Angaredona. Festivals are typically joint initiatives by artists at cultural centres, geared toward getting support from artists who have succeeded. Festivals are especially advantageous because they bring together artists, allowing them to share their passion and experience. Jazz musicians are intent on finding opportunities through the international Madajazzcar festival, while Angaredona in northern Madagascar is also a springboard to success, given its international character and the fact that meetings between artists can result in new collaborations. All this makes this part of the island called Diego a mine of opportunities.

Promoters

Promoters are primarily interested in trends, especially when it comes to ‘tropical’ music. This is the genre that generates the most income, due in part to constant and growing media promotion. This leads to the need for a sponsor who doubles as a producer. These producers manage to organize concerts for their artists, whether at a national or international level. One can also find promoters who are mainly concert organizers, who are able to add to the profits of a few artists through attractive post-performance wages. Among the organizers one can name Oktoberfest with Star company. Since 2014 Dreamin television has also joined suit. However, most of their activities focus on young people. In short, when it comes to genre music other than tropical and urban, artists must rely on the most popular venues, cultural centres and, of course, festivals.