After nearly a decade away, Nono is answering his fans' call with two performances scheduled for September 6 and 11 in Antananarivo.
For years, messages from his admirers have multiplied, demanding his return to the Malagasy stage. Nearly ten years after his last performance in the capital, the wait is finally coming to an end. Back in the country, Roland Rakotondrainibe, known as Nono, will reunite with his audience on September 6 at 3 p.m. at CCESCA Antanimena and on September 11 at 7 p.m. at Havoria Anosy. Both shows are largely motivated by the loyalty of his fans, who have continuously asked him to return.
The artist intends to offer his fans a reunion worthy of this long wait. His classic hits will be at the heart of both performances, notably "Bedy foana," "Io fitiavana io ihany," and "Hoy ianao." However, the two shows will not be entirely identical. "I work a lot with emotion," explains Nono, who adapts his performances to his feelings and how the audience receives his songs.
A return driven by fans
For Nono, this comeback marks not only an artist's return to the stage. It is also the culmination of a bond maintained for years with his audience. Fan groups have notably contributed to sustaining this anticipation. "This show is really thanks to the fans," he emphasizes.
To support his return, the artist has chosen to surround himself with young musicians: a bassist, guitarist, two keyboardists, and a drummer. Rehearsals are already underway. Nono wants to give them a genuine place on stage and is considering continuing this collaboration. Young emerging Malagasy artists will also participate in the performances. No foreign artists have been announced.
This openness to the new generation is part of another important dimension of his career: transmission. A mathematics teacher at the Ampefiloha technical high school, Nono has also taught at music schools in France. He created a small workshop in his apartment, where he has mentored about ten young musicians. For him, teaching is both a passion and a way to help those beginning their musical journey.
Nono began composing around 1972 and has marked several generations with his songs. Among his earliest works is "Mitomany." He also cites "Alaheloko anao" and "Lasa aho."
His songs draw inspiration from daily life, emotions, human experiences, and religion. Influenced by poet Rado, Nono considers sincerity essential to musical creation. "The secret is to be sincere," he confides.
Still active in creating music, he is currently working on finalizing his next album. The artist wants to present it to the Malagasy public first before considering performances abroad.
After several years of absence, the September 6 and 11 performances will thus mark the reunion between Nono and an audience that has never stopped demanding his return.