Zebu Nation

Razia Said is an unfamiliar name in the world of Malagasy music: she has lived outside Madagasca since she was ten years old and now lives in the US. Zebu Nation is a collection of her songs about aspects of Malagasy life and the trials and tribulations of Madagascar itself. There is a strong ecological theme running through her music, raising questions about deforestation and the agricultural practice known as tavy, or slash-and-burn. Her intentions are worthy and are, sadly, unlikely to have much effect on the massive international timber piracy that is illegally stripping the national parks of millions of tons of rosewood from the north-eastern primary forests. Razia's music is a soothing counter to the terrible situation that Madagascar finds itself in, after recent political turmoil that has resulted in the country becoming isolated and cut off from essential international aid.

Zebu Nation was recorded in Brooklyn, Harlem, Manhattan, Paris and Antananarivo. It leaves an overall soft and wistful impression, notwithstanding the energetic contributions from several established Malagasy recording musicians, including the highly talented Dozzy Njava – who produced the album, sings backing vocals, and plays electric and acoustic guitars, accordion, violin, viola and sitar. Razia sings in Malagasy, French and English in a gentle, laid-back style. This is a well-produced studio album with a conceptual approach. It may be outside the normal genre of Madagascar's popular music but this is a disc with heart and sincerity.