Salegy – Freddy Ranarison, 1965

🌴🎶🕺🏽📀🔥 Originating in sub-Saharan Africa, Salegy conquered Madagascar where it settled, first towards Mahajanga, in the north-west of the island (some personal memories burning hot in this corner, by the way…). With its variations, electrified folk and ultra-composed rhythms, it has spread all over Mada, and even touched, under various names, Réunion to the south or Mayotte to the north. Among its performers is Freddy Ranarison, who adapts some of its folk themes here, on this EP from 1965, the golden age! A Malagasy slows-style first side, before the rhythm takes over again. And I’ll spare you the titles of the tracks… But don’t worry, you’ll find all the instructions for dancing on the back cover!