We had already been invited to take part in the biggest Jazz Festival in the Indian Ocean region, in 2017, but 7 days before our confirmed travel plans, the 28th edition was cancelled due to a health crisis in the capital city of Madagascar. It was a disappointment not to be able to perform at the request of the then Madajazzcar president, Désiré Razafindrazaka. A true music lover, a jazz encyclopedia (here on Double Bass) and a defender of the very rich artistic heritage of “La Grande Ile”. Désiré sadly passed away during the COVID crisis in 2021. We felt that our presence in Tana in 2024 was also the result of his efforts seven years ago. His legacy lives on, most notably through his son Andy, who is an amazing teenage drummer !
The new president for Madajazzcar, Jackie Ranarison met with our Manager, Jean-Luc, in April 2024, stating that the 35th edition of the Festival would be dedicated to “Women in Jazz” and as such wanted to invite The Clarisse Sisters as one of the international artists. The presence of Mauritian bands on the Madagascar Jazz scene is not so common, since only A4 had performed in Tananarive before TCS. We gladly accepted, since these 10 days of nationwide celebrations included new stages and opportunities for us. Yet, our concerts were all in the capital city (see News/Live for details). Being part of a conference “Woman and Jazz in Madagascar” MCed by leading malagazy singer Brigitte Rakotomalala, was an honour. The week finally ended at the FARA West Café, a local Jazz Club – in a very speakeasy style venue – that offers concerts each Saturday night. A final jam with the best local jazz musicians and singers, overlooking Tana…, a few hours after our final Festival gig at CGM Jazz Club.
Our presence in Antananarivo (Malagazy name of the capital, Tananarive in French) also included giving a concert/master class for the 300 students of the oldest Jazz Club-School, funded and managed by the Göthe Zentrum (CGM – German Embassy). A great way to forge ties between our islands and inspire the new generation of musicians and singers. Last but not least, our very first concert in Madagascar included a double billing with Weaver Trio, Jazz pioneers on the “Red Island”, who opened for us in the TV studios of the leading private TV station: VIVA TV. A first for us and a nice new experience… working in excellent technical conditions.
Overall, a fun week of adventures (8th to 14th October 2024), which was our very first Festival overseas performing with our Mauritian band. Misaotra & Tonga Soa Mada!
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