Brass band musicians gathered at Ivokolo Analakely. Malagasy brass band musicians are joining forces to establish a new professional framework for their craft. On Tuesday, at Ivokolo Analakely, the Vovonan'ny Mpitsoka Mozika officially presented its creation, already bringing together seventy groups primarily from the Hautes Terres, as well as from Vakinankaratra, Amoron'i Mania, Bongolava and Androy. The platform also includes eight female musicians.
Professionalization is its main priority. Training programs in music notation, instrumental practice, instrument maintenance and manufacturing, and musical composition are being planned. The collective also wants to standardize performance contracts for weddings, famadihana and other events.
Instrument costs remain a major obstacle. A quality trumpet can cost 1.5 million ariary, prompting members to seek government support to facilitate imports. "It is difficult to make a full living from this art," notes Iavoko Ramanitrarivo, communications and press officer for Star, particularly due to the seasonal nature of activities: contracts concentrate during the dry season, while the rainy season is devoted to agriculture and livestock.
The collective also aims to represent Madagascar internationally and create an annual "Festival Mozika Be," featuring trumpet training and experience exchanges. The Ofnac (National Office of Arts and Culture) welcomes this initiative and plans collaboration with the National Academy of Arts and Culture for training. Membership in the Omda (Malagasy Copyright Office) is also encouraged so artists can benefit from their rightful royalties.
Cassie Ramiandrasoa