Mahaleo has left a deep and lasting mark on the history of Malagasy song. Deep, because there will now be a “before Mahaleo” and an “after Mahaleo”. Lasting, because, although it is almost impossible to make a living from music in Madagascar, the Mahaleo — who have always refused to leave their island—are still with us…

The Mahaleo group has given us richly poetic texts that are simple and popular, with a strong social content and a concern for humanity and the environment (severely threatened by desertification). Their music is enchanting, with sumptuous melodies and warm voices — in solo or together— that evoke all kinds of emotion, from nostalgia to revolt… an irresistible cocktail, songs of protest from the Indian Ocean, or the Beatles revisited by Dylan or Yupangui... Malagasy style.

Fred Hidalgo “CHORUS, Les Cahiers de la Chanson n°20” Summer 1997

Songwriter, Guitar & Vocals, Harmonica, Kabosy

Sociologist and farmer.
He has served two terms as an independent member of the Malagasy parliament.

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Songwriter, Guitar & Vocals

Surgeon
His doctoral thesis
was about the use
of fishing line in surgery.

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Songwriter, Vocals, Traditional end-blown flute, Piano & Guitar

Sociologist, specialised in the defence of farmers’ rights. He was at primary school with Dadah and Dama.

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Songwriter, Guitar, Violin
& Vocals

He is Dama’s elder brother.
A general practitioner and farmer, he studied medicine
in Romania. He passed away on september 3, 2010, at the age of 59 in Tamatave, Madagascar.

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