Accompanist, presenter, jury of musical competitions, master of ceremonies and great sportswoman, so many hats for Rachel Ratovo but it is above all on her musical career that she wants to put the focal point.
Well known in Antsirabe and in the world of jazz, she plans to focus on her music and plans to release her own compositions this year. A teacher by profession, she has combined music, like sport, into her daily life since her childhood. Especially since she grew up in Antsirabe, the cradle of Malagasy music, it is with complete legitimacy that the singer she is today can be found on almost all the stages of the Big Island. Furthermore, for the end of the year, she hosted the evening at Valahara Café Antsirabe. For Rachel, music is a family affair. Born to a Latin singing leader and a musician, she took her first steps with her uncle Ralila’s orchestra. If talent is passed down from generation to generation, his first steps on the stage date back to primary school and church like many young talents.
But much more than a passion, music took on an importance in his schedule until he joined his uncle’s orchestra group. “ For me, Ralila’s musical training allowed me to surpass myself. Through hard work and perseverance, and of course the mentorship of my family, especially my uncle, it built my stamina as a performer and improved my music as a singer », she relates during an interview. Although she acquired a solid foundation in classical music, she worked on compositions for musicals including “ Tritriva ” And ” Ny fora » in the 1970s on behalf of the Alliance Française. Her great love for the diva Whitney Houston is no secret, moreover, she has already paid tribute to her favorite artist during parties and cabarets on several occasions.
If her late husband was an ace guitar player, Rachel juggles between several instruments. Aside from her voice, she also dabbles on the piano and the guitar, yet it is her mastery of the drums that impresses the spectators. Currently, she is taking up the saxophone to broaden her horizons. “ For me, learning an instrument allows me to flourish. Even at my age, learning is still possible, contrary to what people say. It is never too late to learn something, and it is valid whatever the field, as long as the passion is there and you give yourself the means to get there, to work and devote time to it, it’s still playable “. If before, she supervised many young talents, including her children, she now wants to focus on her own projects. “ I already have several compositions but I have always favored other projects, especially musical entertainment, but I am thinking of releasing a few songs of my own this year “, she says. Helped by her children, who are a musician, film music composer and director, she will take the time to refine her titles, work on them and let her music carry her, but before the release of an album or an opus, it It is often on stage that Rachel reveals her musical universe between jazz and local Malagasy music.
Zo Toniaina
