A prominent figure in Malagasy salegy and musical entertainment, Papa James has passed away in South Africa, leaving behind a 36-year career and a long-cherished dream of returning to his homeland.
He dreamed of returning to Diego (Antsiranana), the city where it all began. He hoped to perform on stage in Madagascar once more and reconnect with his audience. This return, planned with the artist Rossy, will unfortunately not take place. Papa James passed away two days ago in South Africa following a decline in his health, taking with him a unique voice, energy, and a golden era of Malagasy music.
Born Mayoub Caid Jean Gaby, Papa James began his career in Diego in the 1970s as a drummer for the group ‘Les Jockers’ before performing at the ‘La Taverne’ cabaret. He gained prominence in the 1980s through his performances at the Hilton Hotel, which were broadcast on TVM, the only national channel at the time.
Journalist Randy Donny remembers him as a true showman: ‘He was a beast on stage, capable of electrifying the crowd with catchy compositions and fiery salegy music designed for dancing.’
Having lived in South Africa for thirty years, Papa James never truly left music behind. Even after his retirement, he opened a restaurant-cabaret where he continued to perform. However, his life was severely impacted by xenophobic violence in South Africa, which led to the looting and destruction of his property, deeply affecting his health.
Despite the distance, he and the artist Rossy had been planning a grand return to Madagascar. Rossy expressed his deep sorrow, stating, ‘Our national Papa James has left us… we were preparing his big comeback in Diego, where he started.’ His family and the embassy are currently working on the repatriation of his remains to Madagascar, honoring his final wish to return to his home soil.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-19 05:53:33 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/disparition-papa-james-laisse-une.html