Nary's hologram offered an emotional moment to the audience during Zay's anniversary concert. The band Zay celebrated 30 years on stage at the Palais des Sports in Mahamasina, marked by a poignant tribute to Nary, whose musical legacy continues to live on.
Nary's voice resonated once again yesterday at the Palais des Sports in Mahamasina. At the heart of an anniversary concert filled with emotion and nostalgia, the band Zay paid special tribute to its former member and leader, who passed away during the Covid-19 period. The most striking moment came during the performance of "Indray andro any", accompanied by a hologram of Nary. None of the members present, not even the backing singers, sang alongside his image, letting only the voice of the departed artist resonate.
The stage, set in the center of the Palais des Sports, was surrounded by numerous lighting effects and hosted a dozen artists. The band, composed of six members, was accompanied by several musicians, including piano, bass guitars, drums, saxophone, and numerous backing singers. The concert, which took place without intermission, also featured several hit songs, including "Efa nomeko" and "Manahirana". With "Ampy izay", the audience particularly went wild.
Sold Out
Predominantly young, the audience was nonetheless composed of several generations who came as families or with friends. Many stood up to sing and dance to the rhythm of the songs, testifying to their attachment to Zay's musical universe.
This anniversary concert, announced as sold out for a long time, opens an entire year of celebration of the band's 30 years on stage. Faced with fan enthusiasm, a special space called "Passy Hihaona" had been set up to meet numerous requests, just around the stage.
Created thirty years ago, Zay has experienced several formations. Among the founding members, three are still present. After the death of Nantenaina in 2001, the band also lost Nary, then Micka. Today, the lineup includes six members: Malala, Haingo, Mamy, Miora, Tovo, who arrived a few years after the band's creation, and Artie, who joined in 2018. Throughout its career, Zay has released seven albums and several popular singles, while collaborating with different production companies and major enterprises and conducting numerous tours in Antananarivo, in the regions, and in Europe.
For Malala, Nary's death left "a great void", but his legacy remains. "No one will replace Nary. But what he passed on to us has remained alive. His musical style was transmitted and it will not change", she confides. Some new songs are even composed collectively from ideas, lyrics, or melodies left by Nary. "We think every day about the best way to keep this legacy alive", adds Malala.
"Everything was built simply, thanks to the love the public has for the band. It is both a blessing and a passion for music", emphasizes Haingo. A passion that continues today to keep Nary's legacy alive through Zay's music.