After several years of absence, the rap group 18.3 is making its comeback on stage on July 19 at the Mahamasina Sports Palace, driven by strong demand from their fans.
The return is finally official. Repeatedly requested during previous editions of Génération 2000, the group 18.3 will return to the stage on July 19 starting at 1:00 PM at the Mahamasina Sports Palace. The members shared that they were approached many times before feeling ready to reconnect with their audience. “Fans have been asking us to come back for years. This edition is the right one, and we are finally meeting their expectations,” they explained.
Génération 2000 will bring together artists who defined the 2000s for a show lasting approximately four hours. Organized by Sr Event with the support of Yas Madagascar, the event will feature reinterpretations accompanied by DJ Hman, hybrid versions mixing rap and acoustic sets, two surprise guests, and several unique duets. Tempo Gaigy is preparing a new production, Marion is also reserving surprises, while Tovo J’Hay aims to bring back the emotions of that era.
For this grand return, 18.3, composed of Slam Jah and TongueNat, will revisit several albums, performing a selection of their tracks. “We are bringing our albums back to life. We returned to the studio to rework the tracks with today’s technical resources to offer a beautiful show and revive those years,” the artists emphasized.
The members also clarified that “18.3” has become the group’s name and no longer refers to the number of its members. Born at the end of 1997 and officially launched in January 1998 at the initiative of Davy, the group released its first album in 1999 before starting a tour with Samoëla. All originating from dance, its members eventually reunited within one of the first Malagasy rap collectives.
TongueNat shared that he discovered rap after being drawn to rock: “I had a crush on rap. This music gave me confidence when I was very shy.” The group also explained that each member brings their own sensibility to songwriting, blending social commentary with touches of humor, all while adapting their music to technological evolutions.
Despite some disagreements over the years, the members maintain that their longevity is based on solid values. “Listening makes a relationship last, and respect makes a group last, even when there are disputes.” They do not plan to welcome a new member. “No one will replace Davy. He is part of our history, and we will continue to pay tribute to him.”
Through this edition of Génération 2000, the goal is to unite several generations around the artists who marked their youth.
By Cassie Ramiandrasoa
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-10 06:13:38 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/concert-183-retrouve-son-public.html