It is an injustice how Madagascar is rarely given the attention that its diverse and spellbindingly soulful music so often deserves. So, when attention is given, one must absolutely seize the opportunity to be immersed in the beautiful musical wizardry of the world’s fourth-largest island.

Our much smaller island is in for a Malagasy musical feast, with the timely arrival of Madagascar’s famous Toko Telo and their heart-warming and feet-tapping artistry which promises to usher in some much-needed warmth after a chilly start to the year.

This dynamic power trio stars some of the biggest names in Malagasy music; featuring national songstress, Monika Njava showcasing the profound warbling vocal styles of beko and jihe music, accompanied by spellbindingly fast tsapiky-inspired finger-picking, delivered by virtuosos D’Gary and Joël Rabesolo on the guitar – a Malagasy music essential. Although ‘Toko Telo’ means “group of three”, the spirit of a fourth, pioneering member – the legendary accordionist, Regis Gizavo, will always remain with the group, as they continue to revisit and reimagine their shared Southern roots of Madagascar.

Hot on the heels of their recently released second album, Diavola (“Moon”), Toko Telo will be touring the UK for two weeks from the 17th to the 29th of April 2018 thanks to Making Tracks.

17 Apr      Bristol | Colston Hall
18 Apr      Milton Keynes | The Stables
19 Apr      Sheffield | University of Sheffield
20 Apr      York | NCEM
21 Apr      Gateshead | Sage Gateshead
23 Apr      Bury St Edmunds | The Apex
24 Apr      London | Rich Mix
26 Apr      Cambridge | Junction
27 Apr      Bangor | Pontio
29 Apr      Lincoln | Performing Arts Centre