Dina Mialinelina reconnected with the Malagasy audience with her group Ako at La Teinturerie. After several years between Madagascar and France, Dina Mialinelina returned with renewed energy. This Friday at La Teinturerie, the artist performed her first concert since becoming a finalist in the RFI Discoveries Prize in 2025. A highly anticipated return, marked by strong audience participation and a repertoire entirely composed of her own songs.
The presented repertoire is based essentially on her compositions. Among them, "Soamiranga" and "Rakemba" hold a special place with the audience. "Soamiranga" addresses women's emancipation in society, while "Rakemba," which evokes a grandmother with white hair, highlights an elderly woman whose "spirit remains very young." These titles particularly captured the audience's attention, with some spectators even requesting to hear them again several times.
Through these creations, Dina seeks to bring Malagasy roots into dialogue with contemporary writing. Her style combines elements of Malagasy music with modern sounds, without abandoning the language and stories of her country. "I continue to always write stories in Malagasy, even when I travel around the world," she affirms.
Evolution
On stage, Dina Mialinelina was accompanied by her group: Harty Andriambelo on bass, Kevy Rakotoarivelo on drums, Julie Ratefy on keyboards, and Tsanta Nasandratra on backing vocals. On guitar and vocals, the artist presented a universe built around Malagasy music, modernity, and an energy she says she has developed further through her experiences abroad.
"I have greatly enriched and acquired experience," she explains. Based in France since December 2023, Dina pursues multiple artistic projects. Abroad, she is not limited to music: she acts, dances, and also writes for theater. These different practices now nourish her stage presence. She notably mentions the experience of traveling festivals, which allowed her to develop "stronger, fiercer energy."
This evolution was felt in her performance at La Teinturerie. The audience, composed of different generations, particularly spectators aged 30 and over, actively participated in the show. "There was happiness, there was light," Dina recalls, also noting that "everyone was dancing." For her, returning to her country after several experiences abroad holds particular significance: "It's different to come back home."
Dina Mialinelina discovered music at age 17 with musician Mamy Ralaivita. Self-taught, she joined the Ry Mialy company of Mialy Rajhonson in 2008, where she remained for twelve years as an actress and singer. She subsequently explored rock, jazz, French variety, and lyrical music.
Cassie Ramiandrasoa