WOMAD

Nogabe Randriaharimalala

From Madagascar

Fabulously agile Malagasy guitarist
Such is the abundance of unique flora and fauna to be found on Madagascar that ecologists have referred to the sizeable Indian Ocean island as the 'eight continent'. Musicologists might well agree. The island's distinctive musical identity separates it from both mainland Africa and the rest of the planet, even when its musicians are playing an instrument as familiar as the acoustic guitar. This is Nogabe Randriaharimalala's weapon of choice and he makes it sound unlike it does anywhere else. Its spotless, bell-clear tone is matched by a dazzling agility and liquidity that a million bedroom singer-songwriters could only dream of. But, however distinctive his sound, Nogabe doesn't feel the weight of protecting Malagasy music from outside influence. He's spent a large amount of time in various Asian countries and currently calls London home, where he's collaborated extensively with the capital's community of ex-pat African musicians. Never mind what those ecologists say - Nogabe Randriaharimalala sees the world as one big continent.

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