| Olombelo Ricky | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ricky Gabin Randimbiarison |
| Born | 21 June 1960 Madagascar |
| Genres | Roots music, folk fusion |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument | Voice |
Olombelona Ricky, also known as Ricky, is a Malagasy vocalist and roots musician based in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Life and Career
Launching his musical career in 1991, Ricky recorded his first album in 1998, sparking the phenomenon of "Rickymania". His socio-political messages and uncompromising approach to his career have earned him a strong following among urban youth within Madagascar. He is esteemed as a musical and cultural ethnologist by many of his fellow Malagasy musicians for his effort to capture and reinvent the traditional musical heritage of the island and that of the near-mythical Vazimba people in particular, believed by many Malagasy to be the island's earliest inhabitants. Despite an uncompromising approach to his career which slowed his international exposure, Ricky has performed at numerous international music festivals over the course of his career and regularly tours at home and abroad.
Reception
Ricky has earned acclaim for his powerful solo vocal performances, typically accompanied by acoustic traditional instruments. Ian Anderson describes him as "one of the island's best ever solo vocalists." His style, which he describes as "organic" (aody mozika), is heavily influenced by jazz. He has collaborated with numerous Malagasy and international artists, including jazz star Solorazaf.
See also
Notes
- ^ Voahangy, Bodo (3 March 2011). "Musique: Ricky poursuit son aventure" (in French). L'Express de Madagascar. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
- ^ Anderson (2000), p. 524
- Reharijaona, Rehaud (2012). "Olombelo Ricky" (in French). Orange Madagascar. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
References
- Anderson, Ian (2000). "Ocean Music from Southeast Africa". The Rough Guide to World Music, Vol. 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Rough Guides. pp. 523–532. ISBN 9781843535515.