The musical traditions are combined with modern influences by Madagascar-born and Paris-based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Justin Vali (born: Justin Rokotondrasoa). A master of the vahila, a twenty-one stringed zither-like instrument, Vali has continued to build a following for his imaginative playing. Rootsworld called Vali "more proof of the vibrancy, brilliance and innovative spirit that thrives in the land of the lemurs", while, Jazztimes claimed, "this is uplifting music, full of high spirits, instrumental prowess, and, to western ears, unusual stylistic twists." Initially attracting attention as a featured artist on the compilation, Madagascar 18: Music Of Madagascar, released by World Network in the early-1980s, Vali has showcased his instrumental skills in a variety of settings. In addition to performing solo, Vali has collaborated with Sicilian frame drum and tambouring player Carlo Rizzo, French blues harmonica player Vincent Boucher and a trio that features his brothers, Romeo "Dou Dou" Randriantoandro on vocals and guitar and Clement "Clamrass" Randrianantoandro on vocals, kabossy, katsa and koritsana.
Justin Vali's technique is different to other players throughout history. He plays with his fingernails rather than his fingertips meaning that the instrument is not smoothly caressed in the traditional manner. Playing with his nails flavours the dynamics and changes the character of the valiha entirely.
This was a technique that was born in Madagascar, but raised and matured in Paris. In the French capital, Justin created a blend of modern and ancient sounds; the nostalgia for memories of home combined with new experiences of his urban life. The result is a dazzling mixture of rhythms, time signatures, moods and textures, in an acoustic setting that avoids the clichés of contemporary African pop music. Justin has dressed his forefathers' music in the fineries of the twentieth century.
In September 2005, Justin Vali was the guest of SACEM in Madagascar during the first Meeting for artists and music professionals from the Indian Ocean. He received the “Grand Prix SACEM” (translate SACEM Award) in 2006 for World Music.
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