Nono reconnects with his audience at Havoria Anosy for a second sold-out concert. The gamble has paid off. After filling the CCESCA Antanimena on September 7 for his return to the stage after nearly ten years away, Nono repeated the experience on Friday at Havoria Anosy, where the venue was once again at full capacity. Several "uncles" and "aunts" came out to rediscover the artist's musical world and the songs that marked multiple generations.
Nono's voice has clearly lost none of its power. Blending nostalgia, poetry, and closeness with the audience, the singer delivered a rich repertoire, carried by genuine complicity with spectators. Josephine, a woman in the audience, testified to this loyalty: "I've been a Nono fan since my teenage years. I couldn't make it to his first concert at CCESCA, so this second concert is a great opportunity. I'm rediscovering his signature songs that marked my youth."
The evening revisited several emblematic pieces, including "Ilay Masoandro," "Mandodona," "Miakamidina," "Ankizy Milalao," "Hendre tsara," "Foana" (music by Nono with lyrics by Rado), as well as "Folo Taona," "Hoy Ianao," "Ento Aty," "Kabary," "Hira Iray," and "Efa Ela." On this last title, the artist declared: "It's been many years that I've waited for this moment with you."
Nostalgia and Reunions
The audience also heard "Bedy foana," performed as an encore, "Tonga Lafatra," "Eto Anatrehan'Andriamanitra," and a jazzy version of "Ny Alaheko anao."
To accompany these reunions, Nono surrounded himself with musicians he describes as wonderful friends: Josia on bass, Matthieu on guitar, Baliaka on drums, Rado on keyboards, and Clark on soft keyboards, along with backing vocalists Elvina and Tiana, accompanied by a third vocalist. Their presence helped bring this reunion concert to life.
Nono also discussed the circumstances of his return. After his last concert at ESCA, before leaving, he was marked by his brother's passing. Returning to Madagascar initially for a stay, the idea of a concert eventually took shape.
With two sold-out shows under his belt, Nono is already considering another meeting with his audience at the Palais des Sports next year. When asked about this prospect, the artist remains cautious: "We'll see what the future holds for us."