Get up and Dance to the Music!

Alright, it's been a while since I've written. There are a few things I wanted to post before this blog goes the way of such hallowed internet locales as "geocities" and "pets.com." First, and by far most importantly, I offer the brief video of a story that is important to a handful of you (H. Tom, Tarv, I'm looking at you). In a previous post, back when this blog actually had stories about my Malagasy experiences and not political insurrections, I told a story of my town's independence day celebrations. In case you forgot, or if you are too lazy to click here, in my town of Didy they have a singing competition on June 26, which is Madagascar's national independence celebration. They asked me to sing a song, which as most of you know is a dangerous request (because I'll actually do it, and quite terribly too). So I chose the "Sweet Home Alabama," and asked for crowd support during the chorus of "Bama bama bama hoo!" I didn't think to record it until the very end, but here is the brief and poorly filmed clip (the camera was in one hand, and the mic in the other, so I apologize if this NYPD Blue-style filming gives you a seizure): Note: You probably need to turn down the volume before it starts, sorry.

This led to everyone chanting "Bama bama bama hoo" everytime they saw me for the next 6 months... Still, it's better than "Vazaha!"

Continuing with the musical theme, I wanted to present a taste of Malagasy pop music.

First up, my favorite rock band, Ambondrona. That is them pictured to the left in mid-jam at a concert in Ambatondrazaka. They are one of the few "rock" bands in Madagascar, owing homage to such artists as Scorpions. For a taste of their tunes, check out Fito Andro (Seven Days)

This next one might be my favorite song. The group, Mika sy Davis, have a Western appeal (as opposed to the more common pop music in Madagascar, which we'll get to). Even if you don't understand the language, I think you can enjoy their music. Check out Goodbye

For more pop-style, check out Tsiliva singing "I Love You" (it takes a minute to get going). Also Melky's "Ianao no Tiako" (also meaning I love you), and Lola's Azafady (I'm Sorry). Note the awesome dancing!

Next, a couple of Firmin's classics. First is Adala aminao (Crazy about you), which I co-opted as the title for my Environment radio program in Didy, Adalamin'ny Tontolo Iainana (Crazy about the Environment). This second one is sung by people all the time, probably because it is both catch and religious. Check out Jesosy Fitiavana (Jesus' Love).

And speaking of songs that are always sung in Madagascar: the Malagasy National Anthem. This is a version sung by fellow volunteer Danielle's high school students in Ambatondrazaka. Note the various parts... it's pretty complex!