Gems from Malagasy.

A new compilation called Alefa Madegascar: Salegy, Soukous & Soul from the Red Island 1974-1984 is being released on double vinyl, via Strut this September.

Collecting little known dance and folk music from the island during ’70s and ’80s, its 18 tracks traverse from the Madagascan dance genre of salegy and soul to folk and political rallying cries.

Emerging from 15th Century ceremonial music and a cappella chanting called antsa, salegy evolved into a fast-paced dance based on 6/8 and 12/8 rhythms. From the ’60s onwards, the vibrant call-and-response style contributed to a Malagasy style that defined much of the island’s popular music.

Alefa Madegascar album follows Strut’s Patrice Rushen compilation earlier his year.

Listen to Roger Georges’ ‘Mama’ and check out the tracklist below ahead of its 6th September release.

Tracklist:

2. Andeha Hanarato

3. Moramora Zoky

4. Mama

5. Mahonena

6. Amboliako Fary

7. Izahay Mpamita

8. Ngôma Hoe

9. B. B. Gasy

10. Farahy

11. Soaliza

12. Ȏdy Ȏdy (Tsy Mentsy Mandroso)

13. Jazz Sega

14. Rapela

15. Razana Tsy Ho Meloko

16. Oa Niny Ê

17. Tokatoka

18. Zaka Tiako Mamolaka Keriko