Ody-Gasy

Ody-Gasy is a Baltimore-Washington-based group comprised of talented musicians, singers, and dancers from Madagascar. The group's name is a reflection of how – or more appropriately, why – the group formed. Ody means medicine or a cure in Malagasy. Gasy is an informal abbreviation of Malagasy, and refers to the language, people, and things of Madagascar. When Ody-Gasy meets to practice, the gathering itself and the mixture of the music often cures one’s nostalgia for Madagascar.

Ody-Gasy is a Baltimore-Washington-based group comprised of talented musicians, singers, and dancers from Madagascar. The group's name is a reflection of how – or more appropriately, why – the group formed. Ody means medicine or a cure in Malagasy. Gasy is an informal abbreviation of Malagasy, and refers to the language, people, and things of Madagascar. When Ody-Gasy meets to practice, the gathering itself and the mixture of the music often cures one’s nostalgia for Madagascar. The various fusions of Malagasy rhythms take one back to 18 different tribes found in Madagascar. Most of the members of Ody-Gasy, namely Fara Garcia; Patrick, John, Marc (the group leader), and Njaka Randrianarivelo; Patrice Vahiny; and Hary Rakotondrazaka – performed regularly at events organized by the Madagascar Cultural Alliance, Inc. during the late 80s and 90s. Fara is the lead female vocalist and specializes in old Malagasy songs called Kalon’ny Fahiny. During the 30s and 40s, Kalon’ny Fahiny songs were popular during opera-like theater events in Madagascar. The Randrianarivelo brothers have been performing together since childhood. Their experience started on the streets of Madagascar and eventually took them all the way to Australia, where they performed for the Indian Ocean Festival among other events. They are joined on harmonies by their spouses, Bakoly and Noro. Isidore “Izzy” Ralaingita, who has traversed many social, economic, and musical areas of Madagascar, adds an explosive voice to Ody-Gasy. He also plays several traditional Malagasy instruments, such as the marovany and kabosy. David Rajaonary, known as “Rainy D.,” travels from New Jersey on occasion to join the group. David played professionally in several bands before coming to the U.S. a few years ago. When not playing with Ody-Gasy, he performs gospel music at his local church in Brooklyn, NY. Hoda Zavandro, who recently joined the group, enjoys singing and playing Kalon’ny Fahiny songs. His tremendous knowledge of others’ musical styles brings a well-rounded dynamic to the group. Patrice Vahiny, lead dancer, is a strong presence in the group and Malagasy community, as he preserves and teaches Malagasy traditional dances. Hary Rakotondrazaka, one of Patrice’s students, is among the many dancers who first learned the traditional dances more than a decade ago. Bakoly Rakotomalala is a new addition to the dance crew and brings her talent from the world of figure skating. Despite the group’s busy daily schedule, the members are dedicated to, and focused on, every project on which they work. For they know that every meeting brings a new energy, spirit and hope to Ody-Gasy and to the future for Madagascar.

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8/23/02: Ody-Gasy

Ody-Gasy is a Baltimore-Washington-based group comprised of talented musicians, singers, and dancers from Madagascar.

Ody-Gasy

Ody-Gasy is a Baltimore-Washington-based group comprised of talented musicians, singers, and dancers from Madagascar.

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Ody-Gasy

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