Razia Said
Razia Said is a Malagasy musician from Antalaha who lived in Madagascar until the age of seven. She currently lives in New York where she performs regularly. Her album Zebu Nation was inspired by a return visit to her country and is a mixture of western and Malagasy rhythms and sounds. Her latest album Akory was released in 2014 and is as Zebu Nation in Malagasy language.
Zebu Nation 2010
From the CD sleeve of Zebu Nation:
Two years ago, I returned to Madagascar and was privilidged to meet some amazing local musicians. They inspired me to make an album in Malagasy, my native tongue. It was my chance to reconnect in a deeper way with the music of my country. During the same trip, I realised Madagascar is in trouble. Our forest and fauna are dying. Our nature is crying out for immediate help. The new album now became not just about re-discovering a musical heritage, but also about drawing attention to the plight of our country's natural resources. Zebu Nation was born to spread a message of hope with the medium of music. Zebu Nation is aimed at bringing people and musicians together for a real need. It's dedicated to our children's future. A deep thanks to all the people who walked with me on this long path and helped to make Zebu Nation a reality. Jamie Ambler Cheick Cisse, Zohary Adele, Achille Razafindramosa, Tsiry Fy-Tia Solofomihanta, Riri, Victor Randrianary, Mimi Arianala, Odilon Ranaivoson, Lauren Flanegan, Nili Belkind, Hasina and Chita.
“It's time to put our petty differences aside and do something about the more pressing issues facing the future of our beautiful country.”
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The lyrics of songs such as Mifohaz, meaning Wake up in Malagasy, sends a clear message to the world about the ongoing environmental destruction that is happening in Madagascar today. Additionally, 10% of the net profits from the sale of Zebu Nation are used to plant trees in Madagascar.
Razia performed in Madagascar/Antananarivo in 2010 at the Angaredona Festival. Check the further information links below for future tour dates.
Akory 2014
Akory - which means What now? in the Malagasy language - is the new album from Razia Said on which she explores the environmental and political challenges facing her native land. The album was launched independently with her own label WAKE UP MUSIC. Read more about the album on the Akory press release.
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Further information
- Razia Said's homepage
- Facebook page
- Razia Said launches a campaign against Gibson concerning Rosewood guitars Madonline, 24th January 2012
- Illegal rosewood trade continues IRIN, 19th January 2012
- Madagascar holds concert against illegal logging Associated Press, 30th September 2011.
- Cumbancha Records Biography, photos, tour dates.
- 10% of the net profits from Zebu Nation used to plant trees in Madagascar
- World Music Central reviews Zebu Nation January 2010.