Tarika

Tarika means simply "the group" in Malagasy, and is the second incarnation of the band assembled by Hanitra (pronounced "Anch") Rasoanaivo. She launched her first group as Tarika Sammy in 1991, and they stayed together for almost three years. Hanitra is joined by her sister, Noro, as well as three of Madagascar's top young roots musicians. Donné, Ny Ony and Solo are multi-intrumentalists who play traditional and customized Malagasy instruments, such as the marovany (box zither), valiha (bamboo zither), and kabosy (the small Malagasy guitar). Vocal harmonies and extensive dancing are also part of their performances. Tarika's most recent album was released last year and spent eight weeks on top of the European world music charts. Curiously, the original Tarika promoted Malagasy women's issues, and the current album is described as including "powerful historic and political themes."

  -- SA