Sebastian Groth, the German Ambassador to Kenya, Seychelles, and Mali, has nurtured a lifelong passion for jazz, which he shared with Malagasy musicians during the 37th edition of Madajazzcar in early October.
A passion born in childhood, Groth grew up in a musical environment as the son of a double bassist. He began playing piano at age eight and later served as a church organist. Although music was not his field of academic study, it remains a central part of his life.
He developed his interest in jazz, particularly improvisation, by performing regularly at a club every Thursday night. These performances allowed him to deepen his musical practice alongside his professional responsibilities.
Jazz serves as a bridge. Longtime friends and former schoolmates, Sebastian Groth and Oliver Knoerich reunited two years ago at a conference in Nairobi, where they conceived the idea of participating in Madajazzcar. Their visit, initially planned for the previous year, was postponed due to the situation in Madagascar at the time.
In early October, Sebastian Groth and ‘The Muthaiga Three’ participated in a musical workshop at Fara West in Faravohitra alongside several Malagasy musicians, including singer Brigitte Rakotomalala. The discussions focused on the sonic similarities between Kenya and Madagascar, as well as traditional music. Having lived in Kenya, Brigitte Rakotomalala also noted linguistic similarities between the two countries.
The group also performed at the Andohalo Garden, the main stage at the Analakely square, and at a private concert. Supported for several years by the German Embassy, Madajazzcar provided a space for musicians to meet and contributed to strengthening cultural ties between Kenya, Germany, and Madagascar.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-20 06:08:58 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/portrait-sebastian-groth-la-diplomatie.html