Catholics are mourning the loss of Father Solo Andriatsifa Désiré Anatole, known as Baigny Dezy, one of the great figures of Catholic hymns in Madagascar.
The Roman Catholic Church of Madagascar is in mourning. Reverend Father Solo Andriatsifa Désiré Anatole, known as Baigny Dezy, passed away at the age of 89. He leaves behind an immense musical and spiritual legacy, carried by songs that have accompanied Catholic prayer and liturgy for several generations.
For over fifty years, Baigny Dezy dedicated his life to sacred music and service to the Catholic Church. For the group “Ankalazao ny Tompo,” he was much more than a member: he was one of its great figures, a pillar of Malagasy Catholic hymnody, and a true patriarch for several generations of singers.
His passion for music began in childhood. He continued to deepen it over the years, including abroad at the Conservatory of Music in France, enriching his knowledge of liturgical music. His journey is part of a history of transmission that dates back to the work of missionaries, including Venance Manifatra, who helped transmit musical knowledge to Madagascar and develop devotional hymns. He was the second member of Ankalazao ny Tompo during the time of Father Gilles in 1972.
Baigny Dezy drew from this heritage to build his own musical universe. As a songwriter and composer, he contributed significantly to enriching the Catholic repertoire and that of groups like Ankalazao ny Tompo, Antsa Faravohitra, Antsa-Pideran’ny Lanitra, and APL. His compositions were not just meant to be sung: they were, above all, prayers, testimonies of faith, and means of transmitting the Word of God.
Among his works are “Tsara ny mankalaza anao,” “Ry Fanahy nomena anay,” “Raha mibanjina ny lanitrao,” “Tiako ny hiaraka Aminao Jesoa,” “Matoa aho nijaly sy maty,” “Mitsangana ka banjino,” and “Ry vahoaka voafidy.”
Even when weakened, Baigny Dezy remained faithful to Ankalazao ny Tompo. He was still participating in the work camp organized in Amboara Ambohidratrimo when he had to leave last Tuesday to receive medical care. Despite his frail state, he wished to remain with his companions and continue to take part, as much as possible, in this work he considered a service rendered to God.
His last recorded song, “Embona sy tsiahy,” intended for the young generations involved in the team, now appears as a true passing of the torch. With the passing of Father Baigny Dezy, a major chapter in the history of Catholic sacred music in Madagascar has come to an end. However, his work will continue to live on in churches, through the voices of those who will sing his hymns and pass on this legacy in their turn.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-17 06:39:30 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/religion-le-pere-solo-andriatsifa-sest.html