Unique instruments, original sounds, and a tribute to Malagasy creativity. The opening of the first edition of the Adabolatsaka festival was marked by the vernissage of Dama’s exhibition, which brings together his various creations for the event. The artist notably presents new instruments he specifically created for Adabolatsaka, including aponga, djembes, valiha, aponga lahy, marovany, and several jejo votavo. Through these creations, Dama also affirms his desire to compose his own music and to share original sounds.
Director and founder of the K’olo Disaraga center, Saraela Ramparany, explains that the name Adabolatsaka refers to the fig tree. The festival’s concept is inspired by the fruit of the adabo, which, once ripe, releases a scent that attracts animals before falling and producing a sound. “It is this sound that we dance to, regardless of the rhythm, because everyone has their own sound,” he explains. The ripe fruit produces a different sound than the green fruit, while the very ripe fruit provides yet another percussion. For the director, these different sounds constitute the very essence of the dance presented during the festival.
The opening continued with several variety shows. Traditional Malagasy dance was highlighted by the group Raozy Gasy, while the Rary company presented a slow dance, followed by Disaraga, which advocates for dance inspired by traditional Malagasy styles.
For Saraela Ramparany, the promotion of Malagasy culture remains at the heart of Disaraga’s approach. “Our training includes classical dance, modern dance, and other disciplines, but when we take the stage, it is Malagasy dance that we primarily showcase,” he asserts.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-27 06:39:08 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/festival-dama-expose-ses-creations.html