Ala Maintso – Green World: Songs from Madagascar

The instrument known as the marovany is a Malagasy zither – a hollow, wooden, rectangular-shaped box with 12 metal strings running up each side of the instrument allowing for rapid and intricate syncopated plucking. The sound is similar to the kora, though it is lighter and more delicate due to the wooden sound box. On this recording the marovany is played by Kilema who comes from Toliara on the south-west coast, and playing acoustic guitar is Modeste Hugues from Betroka in the south central area. Although there are only two instruments playing, with some added hand percussion, the overall sound is incredibly full, complex and thoroughly engaging. Both musicians sing in a light whispered style that befits the organic instrumentation and general theme of the album, which is essentially about saving the planet, with particular reference to the forests and terrain of Madagascar. Modeste Hugues and Kilema both have extensive knowledge of traditional Malagasy sounds and Green World is an excellent and satisfying example of the country’s musical heritage.