Between Malagasy roots and committed art, Nazarro's journey with the microphone—from intimate writings to political repression and fierce defense of free speech—inspires. Midi Madagasikara: Tell us about yourself… Tsiory Narovana Razanadrakoto: I grew up in Tananarive Atsimondrano, in Ampitatafika "102". I still live there today. I come from Manjakandriana. After primary studies at Collège Les Chérubins, then Lycée Saint-Michel in Itaosy, I'm currently pursuing a degree in sociology. With slam, since eighth grade, I was already writing rhymes in my intimate journal. Then I started wanting to write songs. In ninth grade, I was very productive in writing, with increasing maturity. My first judges? My classmates. They already pushed me to transform them into songs and sing them. M.M.: Did the breakthrough happen in high school or university? T.N.R.: Well, a Madagaslam team came to our high school. And that's when it clicked. That's when I decided to become a slam artist. My first performance was on February 15, 2020. In 2022, my slam "Efa sitrana" came out. That's when I started being recognized by the general public. Performances followed one after another, as did collaborations. M.M.: You experienced one of the worst things an artist, or even a simple citizen, could live through during Andry Rajoelina's period. Did you ever think your texts would lead you there? T.N.R.: It was in 2023. That year, I lived a great struggle. When my slam "Madagougou" came out, I addressed the social situation, particularly after the exam leaks and baccalaureate exams held by candlelight. I was summoned by law enforcement and forced to remove my work from social media. Besides, fake Facebook accounts and unknown calls harassed and threatened me, even making my YouTube account disappear. I speak of struggle because it is a fight for freedom of expression. So I stepped back. I stopped publishing texts on social media. No more solo performances either. Besides, I'm about to make my return to the stage. Pressures or not, I'm coming back little by little. M.M.: Despite the trauma… T.N.R.: Because writing is my little therapy. It makes the human in me flourish, while keeping my childlike soul. Never in my life will I do slam for propaganda, regardless of political party. Never propaganda: it's to deceive people and hide embezzlement. M.M.: So what are your favorite themes? T.N.R.: My preferred subjects are social life, the life of the country, everything that touches Madagascar. Everyday life. Because I'm a human being before being a slam artist. M.M.: So, neutrality. In a way, doesn't this artistic neutrality facilitate the harmful actions of certain leaders, holders of decision-making power, etc.? T.N.R.: That's not it. The great danger, which favors "bad intentions", is when freedom of expression is annihilated and when knowledge is restricted. Who has bad intentions? Those who want to fill their pockets and who idolize power. Collected by Maminirina Rado