Papa James, a prominent figure in Malagasy salegy music and entertainment, has passed away in South Africa, leaving behind a 36-year career and an unfulfilled dream of returning home to perform.
Papa James had hoped to return to Diego (Antsiranana), the city where his journey began. He dreamed of performing again in Madagascar, reconnecting with his audience, and letting his songs resonate once more. This comeback, being prepared with Rossy, will never happen. Papa James passed away two days ago in South Africa following a deterioration in his health, taking with him a voice, an energy, and an era of Malagasy music.
Born Mayoub Caid Jean Gaby, Papa James began his career in Diego in the 1970s as a drummer for the group Les Jockers, performing at the cabaret La Taverne. He rose to prominence in the 1980s through his performances at the Hilton hotel, particularly at evening shows broadcast on TVM, then Madagascar's only national channel during the black-and-white television era.
His songs defined that period. With Discomad, he recorded "Beby Adaladala" / "Coco Rasé" in 1977, "Ngôma Hoe" / "Tavela am-pitan-drano" in 1979, and "Tiako Ianao Tsiah" / "Marary Ngoma" in 1986. His passion for salegy and talent as an entertainer left a lasting mark on audiences.
Journalist Randy Donny remembers him as an artist capable of electrifying an entire room: "He was a stage beast, able to energize crowds with catchy compositions, wild salegy whose lyrics barely fit two lines over music made for dancing."
After settling in South Africa with his family thirty years ago, Papa James never truly abandoned music. In retirement, he opened a restaurant-cabaret where he continued performing.
His wife recalls this man who made music his way of life: "In the 70s and 80s, he was known for his evening performances and salegy. He worked in South Africa, then in retirement, he created a restaurant where he continued entertaining."
However, this new life was shattered by xenophobic violence in South Africa. His restaurant, car, and home were looted or burned. These violent events deeply affected the artist, and his health rapidly declined.
Despite the distance and hardships, Papa James and Rossy remained in regular contact. A final project united them: bringing Papa James back to perform in Madagascar, in Diego, where he took his first steps. They also planned to revisit some of his hits, including "Tiako Anao" and "Lalàna," with Mama James at Papillon Madagascar Hilton.
Rossy is devastated by the loss of his elder. "Our national Papa James is gone," he wrote, recalling their conversations and the project close to their hearts: "We spoke often on the phone, we invited him several times to honor him. We were preparing together his grand return that he wanted in Diego, where he started."
Behind these words lies the regret of a meeting now impossible. Rossy concludes his tribute with thoughts for the family: "I wish much courage to Mama James, his children, and the entire family. Rest in peace, my elder."
Papa James had expressed his wish to return home. Following his death, his family and the embassy have begun procedures to repatriate his remains to Madagascar. His wife confirms this desire: "It was his wish to return to his country. We now await the embassy and family arrangements for his repatriation."
From Diego to the Hilton evenings, then to stages in the South African diaspora, Papa James traversed several decades of Malagasy music. He will not see the stage he hoped to return to, but will remain in memories as the artist who knew how to make people dance, sing, and feel alive. His final journey to Madagascar may be, in its own way, the long-awaited return to the land where his story began.