When you consider the fact that many, if not most, people on the island of Madagascar have at least some ancestry that goes back to Indonesia, you would think there would be more cultural exchange between the two nations. Strangely, there is not. So this musical exploration of the shared culture between contemporary Madagascar and Indonesia is a ground-breaking project for its idea alone. Hanitra Rasoanaivo, the leader of Tarika, went to Indonesia in 1999 in an effort to find commonalities that linger between among the cultural complexities of Madagascar and Indonesia. She found many, in the realms of language, ritual, dress, custom, food, and of course, music. All of that and more is explored in the lyrics, music, and liner notes of this remarkable CD.

Cultural significance aside, this also happens to be the most engaging and interesting music that this group has produced since Hanitra formed it in 1994. (Prior to that, she was a member of Tarika Sammy, which still exists in Madagascar today.) Hanitra returned from Indonesia with a set of songs which Tarika began recording in London. She then took the tapes back to Indonesia and invited Indonesian musicians to embellish the group's basic tracks. Tarika's mysterious musical journey begins with "Koba," a celebration of a sweet rice pudding desert found in both Madagascar and Indonesia. The song is catchy and ebullient, but its dark mode sets a tone for the music to come. While much Malagasy music has a melancholy caste, Indonesian music can be downright frightening with its other-worldly sounds and dissonant harmonies.

"Set Me Free" pairs the rich, deep-toned Malagasy harp called marovany with a fluttering Indonesian flute, to great effect. "Aretina," a soulful number about cultural disease--disseminated via televisions--unfolds in a characteristic Malagasy salegy rhythm, a fast 12/8. A wavering, crying Indonesian violin weaves through the tune, and there's a great Indonesian percussion break. "Tovavavy" unfolds like an easy-going Country-and-Western ballad with Tarika's rich vocal chorus taking on a kind of country/gospel twang. Oddest and most delightful of all is a cover of the Ronettes "Be My Baby," here dubbed "Malalako." Hanitra sings the song in English, French, and Malagasy, with traditional Malagasy backing instruments, but the kicker is an inspirational Indonesian violin solo that wanders off into outer space before cleverly veering back into the chorus--one of the greatest little moments I've heard on any record in a long time.

"Madindo" merges a kind of dark, self-styled Malagasy hip-hop with eerie Indonesian tonalities creating a wonderfully sinister atmosphere. This one-of-a-kind recording certainly stands on its own merits, but one hopes that other musical exchanges between these two countries--related but estranged--are in the offing. This is rich ground!

Contributed by: Banning Eyre for www.afropop.org