In the 90s, hip hop and rap appeared in Madagascar and brought a new breath that stirs up the fire of local urban culture.
At the time, it was the Da Hopp and Fab groups that had opened the scene. “” In reality, it is the Fab group which is the real pioneer of rap in Madagascar », Houts humbly tax (DA HOPP) facing the press on Sunday, July 13. “” They started to rap, certainly in French and English, but they are the first “He said. And Fab members to add ” After a few compos in a foreign language, which we affectionately call Pokipah, we decided to rap into Malagasy. And we have kept this until today ».
For the DA HOPP group, which was initially known as the MCM Boyz, the beginnings concerned dance rather. Winners of several dance competitions, they imposed themselves as the best of their generation, before finally devoting themselves to rap. “” Again, it was the members of the Fab group who produced our first single “Maimbomaimbo” »»,, tells Benj. “” Our real beginnings as rappers, we owe it to Fab. They opened the doors of the Zicmu studio all the time. They even arranged and recorded our titles He adds. “” Precisely we wish to publicly show them our gratitude and all our gratitude, and above all give them back what is up to them “, Specifies tax of Da Hopp, who wishes to set the record straight on the beginnings of rap and hip hop in Madagascar.
The history of the little one (which has become large) world of rap and hip hop in Madagascar therefore includes many stories of fraternal friendship. Far from the image of rivalry that has always been conveyed, these two groups have always been friends, and still respect each other, even today. “” Our respective particularities is our sound. Each on our side, we were able to impose our musical identity “Explains Tsiresy of the Fab group. “” This identity, we have transmitted to other arrangements, even compositions that we have made for other artists He continues. As is the case, for example, of the title ” EO Anilanao Composed for Lalie, who actually has a touch identical to Fab sounds.
Fab and Da Hopp is a friendship novel that started 37 years ago. And it continues. To see the complicity between each of them, we feel reciprocal respect and friendship. Because if DA HOPP continues to create, write and record, preparing a new double album rooted in the Deep South under the artistic direction of Maximin Njava, the members of the Fab group do not exclude new inspirations. In the meantime, their album “Firstable” and their EP “Odyssey” can be listened to on the Spotify platform, while the first album ” Fannanana“, De Da Hopp has been available on Moozik since July 13.
For the next few days, Da Hopp will share the scene with other big names in Malagasy music at the Antsonjombe Coliseum on July 18, notably Rossy, Samoela, Jaojoby and Mily Clément. He will sing as part of an event that wants to be a strong moment in tribute to the victims of the DC-3 crash of July 18, 1995, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Vision Madagascar, and commemorate the Mandela Day together. DA HOPP will also be live on August 02 at Carpe Diem in Andraharo.
Hanitra Andria
The Malagasy rap article: Fab and Da Hopp, pioneers and brothers of his appeared first in the midday Madagasikara.
