Erick Manana and Feo Gasy members reunited on stage. Thirty years after Feo Gasy's debut, Erick Manana continues to keep the group's identity alive on stage. On Saturday, at the International Conference Centre (CCI) in Ivato, the artist reunited with his companions to open the celebration of the band's 30th anniversary. In a deliberately understated staging, with a screen displaying images of deceased members at the back of the stage, the concert primarily highlighted the continuity of a musical story that began three decades ago.
The venue was not completely full: front seats were occupied, while back rows were less populated. On stage, guitar, korintsana and valiha accompanied the artists who took turns throughout the performance. Rado, son of Fafah, notably took his father's place, extending his presence in the Feo Gasy universe. Voara, passing through, was also invited on stage to perform "Aza ilaozanao".
The repertoire revived several emblematic titles, including "Ikala Manja", "Alahelo", "Ry Iarivo tsy foiko" and "Any indray andro". Members succeeded each other on stage, giving the concert both a collective and memorial dimension.
A new chapter for the group
This 30th anniversary celebration is also a tribute to departed companions. Images of Fafah, Rakoto, Bariliva and Sata accompanied the performance on the screen placed behind the artists. For Erick Manana, these reunions with Feo Gasy are inseparable from the memory of those who marked his journey.
The group's history began in Bordeaux, where members met on stage and quickly discovered spiritual proximity. Erick Manana, then the youngest, says he learned much from his elders. "The entire history of Feo Gasy could fill an entire book. It's a true school," he emphasizes.
His journey with the group is also marked by encounters. "The first person I called for Feo Gasy was Pasy. Since he couldn't ultimately participate in the tour, I called Bariliva," he recalls.
After three years devoted to festivals, Feo Gasy now intends to reclaim its place on international stages. Erick Manana explains: "I prefer that we start here, in our country," before a European tour planned for September and a return to the festival circuit. The objective is clearly stated: "Our duty, as Feo Gasy, is to make Malagasy music shine throughout the world".