Hanitra Ranaivo [Madagascar]

Hanitra Ranaivo, billed as "The New Voice Of Madagascar."  Hanitra has a new album out this month called Omeko Anao.  It's on the ARC Music record label.  Martin Curti of New World Buzz talks to Hanitra about the new album.

• Listen to radio show with special guest Hanitra Ranaivo

Martin Curti: Hanitra, welcome to the show.

Hanitra Ranaivo: It's a pleasure to be here.

Martin Curti: I listened to your album in its entirety and enjoyed it very much. What I heard was a diverse mix of music styles and influences consisting of traditional world music beats, Brazilian samba, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. How would you describe the music on your new album?

Hanitra Ranaivo: My music is very personal. I sing in Malgache with local musicians. However, I don't pretend to represent either one of the eighteen diverse ethnic groups of Madagascar.  Yet, they are my source of inspiration.

Martin Curti: Your first break came in 1979 in the Madagascan capital when you took part in a musical competition where you met a group of musicians that had become popular. You soon joined them resulting in your sudden departure from your homeland. Give us your account of that period in your life?

Hanitra Ranaivo: Tasting success at an early age in my country created a desire to conquer the world and also take my music into the mainstream. Graeme Allwright, the renowned folk singer, provided the group with an opportunity to record an album in France. It was a blissful carefree period, both for us and the fans, and also an exciting offer.

Martin Curti: Hanitra, your sudden departure from your homeland came as a great disappointment to your local fans. What were your personal feelings about leaving the fans behind and how did you handle that?

Hanitra Ranaivo: Sadness yet the need to expand my horizons, gain experience, and refine my style was a necessary step in gaining respect as an international artist. I believe my fans understood this. In fact, for the past twenty years, the Madagascan radio stations continuously diffused my songs. Especially two local favorites: "Maninona" and "Mpivahiny" which is my interpretation of "The Stranger" by Leonard Cohen. Also, interestingly during this epic, there was a tremendous migration of Madagascans towards Europe. Hence enabling the estranged entertainer, myself, to reunite with her nostalgic audience during our concerts.

Martin Curti: 1997 is considered your come-back year. New World Buzz would like to know what all took place career-wise in that period between your first recording session in France in 1980 to your 1997 come-back?

Hanitra Ranaivo: Between 1980 to 1986, the band was frequently performing throughout Europe. Unfortunately, at that time, the promotion of World Music was quite challenging and proved to be overwhelming which led to the break up of our group. The love of my music and my perseverance prompted me to pursue a solo career. I started composing and experimenting with various groups. It took awhile before I realized that the essence of my music was lacking. It was necessary to be accompanied by Madagascan musicians if I wanted to stay true to the soul of my music. On a personal note, I got married and had my two girls.

Martin Curti: Upon your return to Madagascar in 1997, how were you received by your once loyal fans after such a lengthy time away?

Hanitra Ranaivo: Very well. At the beginning of my concerts there is an atmosphere of anticipation. I'm a little anxious when I perform my latest songs. The fans are surprised at the change of my style. Yet there is a sincere appreciation during this shared rediscovery of one for the other.

Martin Curti: The following year you recorded your first album as a soloist. Tell us how that came about?

Hanitra Ranaivo: After my comeback in 1997 in Madagascar, I was very touched by the enthusiasm of the musicians which was the motivational factor for doing the CD. Also, there was a tremendous demand by the public for a recording of my new songs.

Martin Curti: Hanitra, getting back to the present, tell us a little bit about each of the musicians in your current band who appear with you on your new album.

Hanitra Ranaivo: Professional musicians in Madagascar are very rare. However, they're very industrious. The CD was recorded in seven days and the majority of the music was registered at the first attempt. My bassist, Olivier, is an a formable arranger in Madagascar. He plays note for note pieces by Jacko Pastorious and at the same time he adapts the bass to play a variety of local instruments. For example: the valiha which resembles a harp. I hope to produce his next album. Silo, my keyboard player, is without a doubt a young prodigy. One must really visit Antananarivo, the capitol of Madagascar, to listen to his music and to arrive at this assumption. My percussionist, Pana of Greek origin, is capable of performing all the traditional styles while also mastering the Afro-Cuban rhythms. Mendrika, the drummer, a talented musician. Unfortunately, he does not own a complete set of drums though his name means worthy. Not forgetting, Rakoto, a great artist and a legendary flutist. Finally, there is my Guadeloupen artistic director and violinist Bruno Jofa and forgive me if I don't mention all my guest performers.

Martin Curti: Certainly an impressive line-up of musicians and they sounds great on your new album. Who were some of the people who influenced you musically?

Hanitra Ranaivo: As most urban cultures, I was influenced by all styles of innovational music. My first performance on the guitar at age seven was "Let It Be" by The Beatles and on the other hand I can't escape my culture. Music is forever present in our daily life. We are a people of singers and musicians.

Martin Curti: Is there a tour scheduled in your present or future plans?

Hanitra Ranaivo: A few dates in Europe. I'm still looking for an American agent. For the moment, I'm doing mainly promotional work for my CD.

Martin Curti: Do you have a favorite track on your new album? If so, tell us about it.

Hanitra Ranaivo: Each song represents a particular sentiment and are special. Yet, number seven, "Habakabaka," is preferred both by locals and foreigners. The title signifies between sky and earth.

Martin Curti: Hanitra, thank you for being our guest on New World Buzz and continued success with your new album.

Hanitra Ranaivo: My thanks to you. I'd like to invite your audience to discover my CD which will permit them to travel across my vibrant beautiful island. Thank you.

Credits:
Interviewer: Martin Curti
Date: April 2001
© New World Buzz