Raymond Razafimbahiny

Raymond Razafimbahiny (1919–1963), also known as R.R. Majunga, was an artist from Madagascar. He was among the premier, if not the leading, bilingual (French/Malagasy) composers and pianists of his era. Additionally, he was a poet, a classically trained violinist, and a self-taught pianist. R.R. Majunga's life story and development as a composer are closely intertwined with Madagascar's birth as a nation, encompassing the colonial period, the rebellion against French rule, the attainment of independence, and the early years of independence. He tragically lost his father, who was tortured, shot, and eventually buried in a mass grave by the French colonial government due to his involvement in the resistance movement. At the time of his father's death, Raymond Razafimbahiny found himself as a young adult responsible for his family and numerous younger siblings as he ventured to the town he believed held great promise: Majunga, which is considered by many to be the heart of Madagascar. Adding further complexity to his life story is the time he spent fighting on behalf of France in the Indochina War and Algeria.

The atmosphere of Majunga in the 1950s, characterized by heightened patriotism and familial obligations, greatly influenced the composer. He married his childhood sweetheart, Jeanne Ralinoro (1925–1991), who became the mother of his four children. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 42 from a heart attack.

Biography

Raymond Razafimbahiny (1919–1963), also known as R.R. Majunga, was an artist from Madagascar. He was among the premier, if not the leading, bilingual (French/Malagasy) composers and pianists of his era. Additionally, he was a poet, a classically trained violinist, and a self-taught pianist. R.R. Majunga's life story and development as a composer are closely intertwined with Madagascar's birth as a nation, encompassing the colonial period, the rebellion against French rule, the attainment of independence, and the early years of independence. He tragically lost his father, who was tortured, shot, and eventually buried in a mass grave by the French colonial government due to his involvement in the resistance movement. At the time of his father's death, Raymond Razafimbahiny found himself as a young adult responsible for his family and numerous younger siblings as he ventured to the town he believed held great promise: Majunga, which is considered by many to be the heart of Madagascar. Adding further complexity to his life story is the time he spent fighting on behalf of France in the Indochina War and Algeria.

Musician

The music of R.R Majunga was at its popularity in the 1950s and early 1960s. He composed numerous songs in the kalon' ny fahiny hira tranaina traditional Malagasy piano music style and the popular hiragasy style.

He also mixed in other styles of music that were popular in the French colonies at the time such as the cha cha cha, mambo and jazz as can be heard by his use of the so-called "blue note of jazz."

Songs like Malagasy Anie Ianao, Ny Fytia and Fantenana are considered Malagasy classics. Malagasy Anie Ianao with its focus on Malagasy pride is considered an unofficial anthem in Madagascar.

Veloma Dada Havoka was written as a tribute to his father who never received a proper burial. He also wrote about hope (Fanantenana) and of course the notorious joie de vivre of his adopted hometown Majunga.

His wife was a constant inspiration as she is the subject of his compositions like Tsiambaratelo, Fitia, Tsy Anjara. He also wrote about their separation during the Indochine war in "Laise-moi partir" (let me go).

Musical legacy

The songs of R. R. Majunga remain well known in Madagascar and throughout the Indian Ocean. In 1995, a collection of up-and-coming Malagasy musicians led by the renowned Silo produced an R. R. Majunga tribute album. In addition, songs such as Malagasy anie ianao have been interpreted by the likes of the Malagasy band Tarika Be. Again, in the fall of 2009, a group of up-and-coming artists paid tribute to Majunga in a concert in the Malagasy capital of Antananarivo.

In Canada, the Canadian musical group Raivo led by Maggy Razafimbahiny and her husband Dean Pallen, the musical arranger and saxophonist of the group have recorded CDs of largely Majunga compositions mixed in with original compositions. The albums are entitled Hommage (2002) and Mahabibo (2008). Ms. Razafimbahiny is also the daughter of R.R. Majunga and her sister Lydia is also a member of RAIVO. In order to have access to the full extent of R.R. Majunga's repertoire Raivo had his original 78-inch recordings sent to a company in Newmarket, Ontario, to be restored and digitally transferred to the CD format. The 78s were recorded on the Decca label that sometimes combined the work of R.R. Majunga with other leading Malagasy musicians like Henri Ratsimabazafy.

R.R Majunga's Main Repertoire

-Fahiny sy ankehitriny – Fanantenana – Fitia Voarara – Hatanorana – Hiombona – Ireny Mahantra Ireny – Laisse-moi partir – Mahabibo – Majunga – Malagasy Anie Ianao – Mananjary – Mandalo miserana ihany – Moa Ve Hadisoako – Mora Mora Doucement – Nofy Tsindrindriana – Ny Fitia – Ny Lamba – Trano kely ravarava – Tsiambaratelo – Veloma Dada Havako – Valiha sy Lokanga