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Eusèbe Jaojoby

arts Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Eusèbe Jaojoby is a famous singer and composer from Madagascar.

Jaojoby on tour USA Canada 2012 1
Jaojoby on tour USA Canada 2012 1

Many people call him the "King of Salegy." Salegy is a musical style from northwestern Madagascar. Jaojoby helped turn this local music into something famous worldwide. He even helped create two new styles called malessa and baoenjy. His music brings people together through rhythm and song. He is a very important figure in the Indian Ocean islands.

His music works by mixing many different sounds together. He blends traditional Malagasy styles with Western music like soul and funk. He uses the electric guitar to play melodies. These solos are inspired by traditional instruments like the valiha and marovany. He also uses the rhythms of antsa, which is a choral style. Antsara uses many voices and rhythmic hand-clapping for percussion. This creates a very energetic and syncopated sound for dancing.

Jaojoby was born on July 29, 1955, in the village of Anboahangibe. He grew up in a Sakalava family with twelve siblings. As a child, he sang in his church choir. He also sang at local village festivals. At age 15, he moved to the town of Diego-Suarez. There, he heard new music on the radio. He was inspired by Freddy Ranarison, who used the electric guitar for local styles.

His career has had many big moments and numbers. He began singing with the band Los Matadores in 1972. Later, he found huge success with his 1988 hit "Samy Mandeha Samy Mitady." He released his first full album, titled Salegy!, in 1992. Jaojoby was named Artist of the Year in Madagascar for 1998 and 1999. In 1999, he also became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations. He has released at least eight full-length albums since then.

Today, Jaojoby's music connects his home to the whole world. He tours in places like France, the United States, and Canada. He often performs with his wife and his adult children in his band. His songs often talk about important things in society. He uses his music to help young people learn about health. In 2009, he even performed at the historic Olympia music hall in Paris. He even asked to remove the seats so people could dance.

Jaojoby on tour USA Canada 2012 1
Jaojoby on tour USA Canada 2012 1
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