Régis Gizavo: 1959-2017, Master Accordionist from Madagascar

Deeply saddened to learn of the passing yesterday of Régis Gizavo, marvellous musician from Madagascar. I first heard him as a standout on the 1990’s Planet Squeezebox boxed-set anthology. Since then his music combining musicians from Europe and Africa has been among my very, very favourite accordion recordings. I’m bereft to lose the dream of seeing him in person or bringing him to play here in North America.

The second half of this video was taken a few weeks ago with his new group Toko Telo. (People chatting in the background grow still, finishes with the laughter of children. So beautiful.)

“Les anges vont danser au ciel au rythme de ton accordéon.”

“The angels will dance in the sky to the rhythm of your accordion.”

Reports are he died of heart failure at a performance with the accordion strapped on.
(My French isn’t good enough to be sure, but I like the poetry of my reading.)
https://mcmparis.wordpress.com/2017/07/17/regis-gizavo-16-juin-1059-15-juillet-2017/

Regis Gizavo – Malaso

Looking for recordings, start perhaps with the track, “Mahavatse” from his 1996 Mikea album. Unbelievable.

 

Marc Berthoumieux – Regis Gizavo – Les Couleurs d’ici – LIVE

Many tributes and videos online…. So very sad.