Bibiango

Tarika | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 1, 1994)
• Original Release Date: November 23, 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Xenophile Records
• ASIN: B000001L59
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #579,645 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #44 in Music > World Music > Africa > Madagascar

Editorial Reviews

Review

The songs are lilting and upbeat...(and)... the unusual mélange of both language and music from cultures as diverse as East Africa, India, and the
Middle East, which all converged in Madagascar, makes for generally fascinating listening. --Allmusic.com --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Product Description

One of the most groundbreaking bands on the world music scene, Tarika's re-issue of 1994's Bibiango approaches the folk music traditions of their native Madagascar with an eye towards the future. Tarika has, in many ways, become synonymous with the music of Madagascar. Bibiango is filled with Infectious melodies, buoyant grooves, tight harmonies, exotic instrumentation and an aural attack that has been described as "virtuoso traditional music with the energy of punk rock. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lively Madagascar roots music from new lineup, April 12, 2002

By 

woburnmusicfan (Woburn, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bibiango (Audio CD)

This was the first album after Hanitra Rasoanaivo and her sister split off from Tarika Sammy to form Tarika (Malagasy for "group"). The revised lineup continues Tarika Sammy's use of many instruments native to Madagascar (especially from multi-instrumentalist Donne), but with a more rhythm-oriented emphasis. Tarika is a dance band. The rhythms are compelling even though there isn't a drummer per se. Every member of the five-piece band takes a turn on hand drums or percussion. The individual songs just aren't as memorable as on "Fanafody", or on later Tarika albums like "D" or "Soul Makassar". The songs "Taraina", "Bibiango", and "Jejy" are highlights. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull produced the album.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction to Tarika and modern Malagasy music., April 3, 2001

By 

Paul Grindrod (Salt Lake City, UT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bibiango (Audio CD)

This is a really good introduction to Tarika's music and a wonderful CD. This first release from the revamped Tarika Sammy features sisters Hanitra and Noro, backed by three extremely versatile multi-instrumentalists. The 13 songs cover a range of topics: childhood games, marital relations, rituals, drought, and the sorrow of parting. Alternately exhuberant, jaunty, rhythmic, melodic, soulful, and lyrical, the voices and instruments blend and weave beautifully. My personal favorites include Taraina (track 3), a playfully upbeat argument between a man and a woman; Jejy (track 10) a song about, and featuring, the traditional Malagasy gourd dulcimer, the jejy voatavo; and the stunning Zanane (track 12), an a cappella number highlighting the singing abilities of the band members. If you already know Tarika from their later recordings, don't miss this opportunity to expand your experience. If you are new to Malagasy music, this is a good introduction.

5.0 out of 5 stars Characteristic, at the high end of their work to date, March 22, 2006

By 

Frank Camm (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bibiango (Audio CD)

Characteristic, at the high end of their work to date. Combines the light, bright feel of partying hearty on a Caribbean beach with a connection to something deep, dark, and ancient. Songs tend to feel happy-go-lucky and ritually urgent at the same time (!). Unique string and tuned percussion instruments create Tarika's distinct setting; urgent, communal vocals add a sense of depth and commitment. Tracks typically display quick pace, precision, and discipline throughout. Male-female call and response occurs repeatedly. Strains of Polynesia, east Asia, the Caribbean, Portuguese, and flamenco-very exotic. And so less African than I expected. Many strong tracks.