Tsapiky (Malagasy pronunciation: [t͡sapʲikʲ]) is a musical genre popular in southwest Madagascar, particularly in the former Toliara Province. It was created as a fusion between South African pop (originally picked up from Mozambican radio stations[1]) and native Malagasy tradition in the 1970s.[2] The music is characterized by its jerky rhythms and fast beat. The song sees popularity in the contexts of sports events, night clubs, balls, celebrations, and funerals. Common instruments in tsapiky include: guitar, electric guitars, bass, drums, accordions, synthesizers, and vocals (usually provided by a choir of women).[3]
Although initially consisting of solely acoustic instruments, in the 1980s, tsapiky also integrated electric guitars.[1]
- ^ a b "Le tsapiky malgache fait danser les vivants et les ancêtres". Africultures (in French). 6 October 2009. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
- ^ "Tsapiky: Dance Music Fit For A Funeral". NPR.org. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "Afropop Worldwide | Hip Deep in Madagascar: The Tsapiky Story". Afropop Worldwide. Public Radio International. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2022.