Event organizer is a profession in its own right. A careful observation of the premises, an evaluation of the characteristics of society, the choice of an adapted approach method and the development of a communication and advertising plan are the specific requirements to produce a successful event. But that’s not all, consulting soothsayers is compulsory.
Sera Raelimantoa, an event professional in rural areas in the Betsiboka region testifies: ” It is essential to follow the instructions of the oracles, otherwise the instigator of the project will not refuel. This is the rule of the game. So you have to submit to it, if you want to succeed ». According to the affiliates of this sector, many young cultural entrepreneurs failed although they invited renowned singers. “” We invited a famous artist. We had planned to give profits to orphans since our association aims to help the poor families. We believed that this initiative would affect many people. The ball was supposed to start at 8:30 p.m. we waited until 9:15 p.m. We only saw thirty couples, when we needed more than 300 people. The ceremony started at 10:30 p.m. The next day, my colleagues and I counted a meager recipe of 700,000 Ariary. Therefore, we canceled the project. We were in debt! “Says, with a sorry face, the president of a philanthropic association of Ampanefena, Emilien Tsarafidy. Superstition or coincidence, in any case, the inhabitants of the countryside believe in it. The promoters must, according to the villagers, respect the Fomban-Tany, literally local custom. Zara Ndriantrisy, traditional of Ankinganivalaka, a town northeast of Antsohihy steps his ideas, ” When an individual wants to bring the crowd together, he must not neglect the customary owners. Even politicians come to see us because we are the legitimate sons of this land ».
This practice is not new. According to historian Alex Randriamahefa, it is a guarantee of insurance. “” To be in symbiosis with the ancestors, the ancestors did it before us. Nuptial ceremonies or other festivities, our great-grandparents had mpanandro, healers. The party arouses the enthusiasm, it highlights the public. So, the stars have to line up. Some purify themselves in sacred water, hence the Malagasy expression: Tsara Rano Nisëhaña “, He added. It goes without saying! It is completely normal for managers to equip themselves with a talisman. Having a seer by his side gives an ascendant, a magnetism.
In short, the ritual plays a key role in order to have customers. Artists and their collaborators know this! In Madagascar, the art world is intrinsically linked to manners. An intangible heritage that the ancestors have left with the intention of perpetuating custom.
ISS HERIDINY
