Biography
Since delivering a crowd-rousing set at the WOMAD Festival in 1995, Njava has drawn worldwide notice as one of Madagascar's most exciting bands. Two sisters and three brothers drawn from the Antemoto tribe of southern Madagascar form the core of the group. Traditional music of their homeland receives a modern sensibility in Njava's hands. After relocating to Brussels, Belgium, in the early '90s, the initially electric band turned its focus toward indigenous repertoire. Influential Japanese producer Makoto Kubota helmed the 1977 release of their debut album, Vetse. Monique "Monika" Rasoanirina supplies vocals, Gabrielle "Lala" Raharimahala adds vocals and percussion, Theogene "Dozzy" Randriamanpionana plays guitar, marovany, and vocals, Patrick "Pata" Randriamanjava contributes percussion and vocals, Maximin "Max" Randriamanjava handles bass and vocals, and Serge "Luc" Rakotomalala performs on guitar, percussion, and vocals.
Albums