Razia (singer)
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
Razia | |
|---|---|
| Born | Razia Said December 1, 1959 |
| Origin | Antalaha, Madagascar |
| Genres | World music |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocal, guitar |
| Label | Cumbancha |
| Website | www |
Biography
[edit]Razia Said is a singer, songwriter and an environmental activist from Antalaha, Madagascar.
Razia Said was born on born December 1, 1959 at the Eastern Coast of Madagascar of an Afro-Arabic Mother and an Indian Father. She was raised with the sound of valiha, a local stringed bamboo instrument and singing to her Uncle’s guitar playing.[1]
At the age of ten she moved to Gabon in West Africa where she began to sing in a local church choir and continued listening to traditional Malagasy music, the Beatles, Bob Marley and James Brown. [1]
Career
[edit]Over the years Razia has experimented with French chanson, rock, jazz, and even smooth Sade-style R&B. She found her true voice interpreting traditional Malagasy music in her native tongue.[2] Razia's music draws elements from Malagasy music and Afrobeats. She began incorporating features of jazz and R&B to her music after visiting New York in 1987.[3]
In February 2007, Razia returned to Madagascar with her full band to record music around the big island. Environmental damage from unfettered slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal logging, and climate change was so profound that she hardly recognized the land she had left as an 11 year old.
In 2006, Razia recorded her album Magical after relocating to New York. During her subsequent visits to Madagascar, she met Njava, one of the country's prominent musical groups. Inspired by her experiences in Madagascar, Razia began writing and recording songs in the Malagasy language, incorporating traditional sounds and melodies from her childhood.[4]
Razia's music often focuses on environmental issues, particularly the protection and preservation of Madagascar's natural environment.[5] She addresses the impacts of climate change and deforestation through her songs.[6] According to an article in Broadway World her album The Road features "a warm, welcoming set of songs that take us deep into the emotional reality of Razia's self-made, globe-spanning life."[7]
Discography
[edit]- Magical (2006)
- Zebu Nation (2010)
- Akory (2015)
- The Road (2018)
References
[edit]- ^ a b Romero, Angel (October 8, 2018). "Artist Profiles: Razia Said | World Music Central". worldmusiccentral.org. Retrieved March 28, 2026.
- ^ "Razia Said". The Lemur Conservation Foundation. Retrieved March 28, 2026.
- ^ Matthew, Keyte (November 13, 2015). "Razia Said And The Wake Up Madagascar Project". Culture Trip. Archived from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
- ^ Hochman, Steven (February 2, 2010). "Razia's Prodigal Return to Imperiled Madagascar". Spinner (AOL). Retrieved September 19, 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Nickson, Chris. "'Zebu Nation' – Review". Allmusic (Rovi Corporation). Retrieved September 19, 2012.
- ^ "Razia Said". The Lemur Conservation Foundation.
- ^ Hartshorn, Tori. "RAZIA Releases New CD, THE ROAD, on October 19". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
Further reading
[edit]- Billboard magazine article
- MTV Iggy article
- L'Express de Madagascar article
- Exclaim! album review
- Boston Globe album review (subscription required)
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
