NY RAY FANAIKY - "I Don't Want to Become a Copy of Fanaiky"

After the tribute concert to his father on the Grand Stage of Jazz@Tohatohabato, Ny Ray Fanaiky Rasolomahatratra, son of the emblematic bassist Fanaiky, reflects on this emotionally charged performance, his apprenticeship with his father, and his ambition to keep his musical legacy alive.

What did you feel after the tribute concert to your father?

After the tribute concert to my father, I felt a lot of pride, but also sadness. Pride because I was able to take the stage with his music and carry his legacy before the audience, but sadness because he was no longer there. I especially had the feeling that Fanaiky was still present in some way. For me, he is still here through his music. The public's reactions deeply moved me. The applause and people who came to talk with me after the performances showed me that his music is still present in people's hearts. This gives me even more desire to continue making it known, in Madagascar and beyond.

What was the turning point for you to follow in his footsteps and play bass again?

I have always loved his music and I have always wanted to help people understand that Fanaiky is still here through his work. After his passing, this desire became even stronger. I want to introduce his music to other generations and, why not, to the whole world. When I pick up his bass, I want to rediscover his style, his techniques, his touch, and his way of playing. But I don't want to simply reproduce my father's music. I also want to become a great bassist at my own level, while carrying what he passed on to me.

Do you have future projects around this tribute?

Yes. I have a big dream around this tribute. I would like one day to organize an ultimate concert dedicated to Fanaiky, bringing together all the musicians and artists who worked with him or contributed to his albums and musical journey. The idea would be to revisit his entire body of work, with his different albums and pieces, to tell his story through music. It's a very ambitious project and I know it will be difficult to achieve, but it's really one of my biggest dreams. I don't want the tribute to my father to be limited to a single concert. I want his music to continue to live and be discovered.

Who was your father to you?

For me, Fanaiky was first my father before being the great bassist that everyone knew. He passed on so much to me. When he was preparing a concert or album, I was often with him. I helped him with the setup, especially with effects, and he taught me different things. Even when he was working on the audio editing of his albums, I watched what he did and he showed me certain things. I also accompanied him during his rehearsals and concerts, especially during his illness.

He often told me that I could become a great bassist. He encouraged me to learn and work because he believed I could go far. These words encouraged me greatly. I always wanted to impress him. Even today, when I play, I have this desire to show him that I have continued.

Can you describe your style and the difference with your father?

For now, I'm not really trying to draw a line between his style and mine. When I play his bass, I sometimes feel like I'm rediscovering some of his techniques and his way of playing. It's as if certain things he passed on to me come back naturally to me. But I also know that I need to build my own identity. My goal is not to become a copy of Fanaiky. I want to be Ny Ray Fanaiky, with my own journey, my own way of playing, and my own music, while deeply keeping what he passed on to me. I am still building my artistic identity, but my father's legacy will always be part of me.

How did you learn to play instruments?

I started playing bass at 11 years old. One day, my father called me and said: "Come, I'm going to teach you bass." He taught me the basics. Very quickly, both he and I noticed that I had a certain aptitude for the instrument. I could see in his expression that he was proud of me, and that motivated me greatly.

After learning the basics with him, I became self-taught. I wanted to progress and especially to impress him. So I worked a lot on my own and learned quite quickly. Around 13-14 years old, I became particularly interested in slap bass. My father was the one who opened the door to bass for me, but a large part of my development then happened on my own, through work, searching, and constantly trying to improve.

What is your artistic journey?

My journey really began with my father. My first stage with him dates back to 2022, at CGM Analakely. I played bass and double bass there. We had...