The accordion was introduced to Madagascar by sailors in the early 19th century. Since then it had become an integral part of the local culture. Régis Gizavo, one of the last custodians of the island's traditional music heritage, has developed a unique accordion-playing style, reworking the traditional folk music of the island for modern ears.
Unfortunately the quality of this video is not very good, but I have been unable to find a better version. Anyway, here is Régis performing "Ho Anareo" (For You) which originally appeared on his album "Samy Olombelo" in 2000. The album is currently out of print, but according to Amazon UK you can obtain a brand new copy for the small fortune of £64 ($106 at the time of this posting)! Fortunately it is also available as an mp3 download for a much more reasonable $1.30 per song, or $11.50 for the whole album :) Enjoy!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samy-Olombelo-Regis-Gizavo/dp/B00004TA9Q
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samy-Olombelo/dp/B0038HNNJM
More about Régis and his music:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9gis_Gizavo
http://www.rfimusic.com/artist/world-music/regis-gizavo/biography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malagasy_music
mahatsiaro anareo any!
makasitraka eh!
livarinjaka 1 month ago
tiako leroa hiran'ny taniko!
i love the song of my country, proud to be a malagasy
harenashirel 3 months ago 2