Lucy Duran visits the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar to discover its remarkable music. She is joined by guides Justin Vali and Paddy Bush and hears the ancient music of Madagascar's royal court as well as the extraordinary and rarely-recorded Hira Gasy. Hundreds of villagers gather to hear a variety performance which spreads news, entertains and teaches people a lesson.

Presented by Lucy Duran
Produced by James Parkin

Music items:

Rakotozafy: Tromba Tune
Justin Vali & Paddy Bush
BBC Recording made at the Hotel Victory, Tulear, 14th September 2009

Trad: Ariva Mody Masaondrao
Malagasy Orkestra
BBC Recording made at the Le Paille en queue Hotel, Tulear 10th September 2009

Trad: Afindrafindrao
Justin Vali and Ensemble
BBC Recording made at Ambohimanga Palace near Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday 3rd September 2009

Trad: Mahagaga
Justin Vali and Ensemble
BBC Recording made at Ambohimanga Palace near Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday 3rd September 2009

Trad: Miangaly
Justin Vali and Ensemble
BBC Recording made at Ambohimanga Palace near Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday 3rd September 2009

Trad: Blue Sky
Justin Vali and Ensemble
BBC Recording made at Ambohimanga Palace near Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday 3rd September 2009

Trad: Izahay sy Malala
Justin Vali and Ensemble
BBC Recording made at Ambohimanga Palace near Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday 3rd September 2009

Ambohimandrosao: Don’t criticize others; look at your own life first
Tarika Rasoasimanga Berthine Ambohimandrosao
BBC Recording made just outside Antananarivo on Friday 4th September 2009

Trad: Ory kintana anakitelo (The 3 Stars)
Rakotofra Junior Ensemble
Recorded by the BBC outside Antananarivo, Madagascar, Friday 4th September 2009 Show less