Fanaiky’s son took up his father’s bass guitar during the Grande Scène that concluded the Jazz@Tohatohabato event, offering the audience a moment filled with emotion and musical memory.
The memory of Fanaiky resonated powerfully yesterday on the main stage of Jazz@Tohatohabato. At Tohatohabato Antaninarenina, the youngest son of the late, exceptionally talented Malagasy bassist picked up his father’s bass guitar to perform part of his repertoire before a packed staircase and an audience of all generations.
Known as Ny Ray Fanaiky Rasolomahatratra, or simply Ray, the young musician paid tribute to his father by bringing his instrument to life on stage. “I am happy to have participated in the Grande Scène and to have played my father’s pieces,” he shared. Despite some apprehension, he chose to take on the challenge with the instrument that carries a piece of the family’s musical history: “I played with Fanaiky’s guitar.”
The repertoire included “Be Basse,” one of the flagship tracks from the album Goma, released in May 2011. This work illustrates Fanaiky’s musical approach, which combined his jazz influences with the festive rhythms of Malagasy salegy, a style he called “jazz miteny”—an accessible, lyrical jazz.
Fanaiky’s son also performed “Izy no Mesia,” a track not yet featured on an album that could be part of a future project.
An iconic figure of Malagasy jazz and considered a master of the bass guitar in Madagascar, Fanaiky, whose real name was Ny Herivelona Fanaiky Rasolomahatratra, passed away in September 2024. His name remains closely associated with Jazz@Tohatohabato, which he long graced with his talent.
The presence of his son, Ny Ray Fanaiky, in the program of this edition takes on a special dimension, bridging transmission and homage to his musical legacy.
This performance was part of a Jazz@Tohatohabato edition marked by diversity. For five days, the festival brought together artists from various backgrounds, from jazz to Hira Gasy and rap, across several locations in the capital. The Grande Scène is among the major events, alongside Jazz Kids, Jazz Quartier, and Jazz Street, with the participation of German musicians Martin Zenker and Robin Henn.
In Antaninarenina, the public responded in force. Tohatohabato was sold out, bringing together jazz enthusiasts of several generations who came to appreciate the various performances. For the organizers, this turnout and the reception of the show testify to the success of this edition and the pride it has inspired.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-10 05:53:55 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/jazztohatohabato-ny-ray-fanaiky-fait.html