The Catholic community mourns the passing of Father Solo Andriatsifa Désiré Anatole, known as Baigny Dezy, one of the great figures of Catholic hymn singing in Madagascar. The Roman Catholic Apostolic Church of Madagascar is in mourning. Reverend Father Solo Andriatsifa Désiré Anatole, known as Baigny Dezy, passed away at the age of 89. He leaves behind an immense musical and spiritual legacy, carried through songs that have accompanied Catholic prayer and liturgy for several generations.
For more than fifty years, Baigny Dezy dedicated his life to sacred music and service to the Catholic Church. For the group "Ankalazao ny Tompo," he was far more than a member: he was one of its great figures, one of the pillars of Malagasy Catholic hymn singing, and a true patriarch for several generations of singers.
His passion for music was born in childhood. He continuously deepened it over the years, including abroad, notably at the Conservatory of Music in France, enriching his knowledge of liturgical music. His journey is part of a history of transmission dating back to the work of missionaries, including Venance Manifatra, who contributed to transmitting musical knowledge to Madagascar and developing devotional hymn singing. He was the second member of Ankalazao ny Tompo in the time of Don Gilles, in 1972.
Baigny Dezy drew from this heritage to build his own musical universe. As a composer-songwriter, he significantly enriched the Catholic repertoire and that of Ankalazao ny Tompo, Antsa Faravohitra, Antsa-Pideran'ny Lanitra, or APL. His compositions were not merely meant to be sung: they were above all prayers, testimonies of faith, and means of transmitting God's Word.
Works in service of God
Among his works are notably "Tsara ny mankalaza anao," "Ry Fanahy nomena anay," "Raha mibanjina ny lanitrao," "Tiako ny hiaraka Aminao Jesoa," "Matoa aho nijaly sy maty," "Mitsangana ka banjino," and "Ry vahoaka voafidy."
Even weakened, Baigny Dezy remained faithful to Ankalazao ny Tompo. He still participated in the work camp organized at Amboara Ambohidratrimo when he had to leave last Tuesday to receive care. Greatly diminished, he nevertheless wished to remain with his companions and continue to participate, as much as possible, in this work that he considered a service rendered to God.
His last recorded song, "Embona sy tsiahy," intended for young generations engaged within the team, now appears as a true passing of the torch. With the passing of Father Baigny Dezy, a major chapter in the history of sacred Catholic music in Madagascar closes. But his work will continue to live in churches, through the voices of those who will take up his songs and transmit this heritage in turn.
Donné Raherinjatovo