Rija Ramanantoanina’s new album, “FY,” will take center stage at the third edition of Live Stage at La Balançoire, featuring his musicians and the Bandy Baraka Big Band.
Spanning nearly 40 years of work, the performance will be revisited in the intimate setting of a cabaret. On Friday, August 28, at 7:00 PM, Rija Ramanantoanina will take over La Balançoire for the third edition of Live Stage, a concept of intimate concerts and artistic gatherings organized by Lagence, La Balançoire, and NYR Image. Accompanied by his musicians and the Bandy Baraka Big Band, the artist will highlight his new album “FY,” which will be available for purchase on-site.
Following performances by Fanja Andriamanantena, Denise, and Jaojoby in previous editions, Live Stage continues its exploration of major figures in Malagasy music. This new encounter will allow the audience to journey through the various stages of Rija Ramanantoanina’s career, featuring iconic tracks, recent creations, and pieces from “FY,” all reimagined with arrangements designed for a large ensemble.
Around twenty tracks are expected for the evening, drawing from different periods of the artist’s career and his new album. The cabaret format of Live Stage also allows for the program to expand as the evening progresses.
The presence of the Bandy Baraka Big Band will add a unique color to this reinterpretation. The ensemble will bring a new dimension to the repertoire through arrangements specifically crafted to showcase the richness of the artist’s compositions.
This collaboration follows an initial experience in May at the International Conference Center, which involved six months of preparation. For Rija Ramanantoanina, this ensemble aligns perfectly with his musical universe, particularly due to its rich sound and international Big Band writing style that complements Malagasy songs.
Behind this collaboration is also a commitment to mentorship. Seta, who has accompanied Rija Ramanantoanina for 20 years, has been involved in training young musicians for the past dozen years. The Bandy Baraka Big Band currently boasts about 25 members.
This initiative aims to develop Malagasy talent and help them reach a recognized musical level, with some members even being recruited by foreign universities.
Throughout his career, Rija Ramanantoanina has enriched his musical world through numerous encounters, particularly with jazz musicians, who have helped evolve his interpretations and arrangements. Following his symphonic show at the Mahamasina Sports Palace in 2018 and his experience with the Big Band last May, the artist continues to explore new forms for his repertoire. On August 28, “FY” will take its place alongside his greatest hits on the intimate stage of La Balançoire.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-27 06:09:28 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/cabaret-rija-ramanantoanina-presente-fy.html