Customer Reviews

E Tiako - Madagascar

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Salegy is a Madagascar dance style with a 12/8 beat accented on the 2nd note in every triplet. Eusebe Jaojoby is known as the "King of Salegy", and the title is deserved. His band Jaojoby makes the best dance music of any Malagasy music I've heard (and I'm up to about 20 CDs). Unlike a lot of the Madagascar bands that have become known in the West, Jaojoby doesn't use traditional instruments--it's guitars, keyboards, and drums. The French-made CD includes a history of Jaojoby and salegy in both English and French, discussions of the songs in French, and the lyrics in Malagasy. My favorite cut is "Tsy Hirenireny", which is sung by Claudine Zafinera. (The track listing has this song and the preceding "Vamba Anao Nomoaly" mixed up.) The production quality is very good. Both this album and (if you can find it) Jaojoby's 1996 album "Salegy!" are highly recommended.

Eusebe Jaojoby has been a composer, singer, band leader and undisputed king of 'salegy', Madagascar's most popular dance rhythm, for over twenty years. His latest album is a real gem, combining beautifully interwoven guitars and organ, incredible vocals and a hot hot rhythm section with cristal clear production. Salegy is based on a traditional 6/8 rhythm that is just so infectious it's bound to get you up and dancing!

This album came out about four years ago, and these songs are all still in constant rotation on every radio station in Madagascar. You hear them on the bus, in the restaurants, and of course at every party and dance!
The fun of dancing to the irresistable beats of salegy could only be bettered by the emotion in Jaojoby's voice, far and away the best vocalist to come out of Madagascar. Eric Manana's smooth, gentle voice might appeal more to middle-aged Western listeners, but for raw power, nobody beats Jaojoby, and he has more vocal control and ability than any other singer in his country.
A warning to purists: The traditional instruments were replaced by Western ones about 50 years ago in this genre, so there are keyboards, bass, guitars etc. But with the exception of the two slow songs on the album, this is no problem and works beautifully.
Listen to this album and it will make you bounce. =)