Picture this:
*A crowd of kids are having a great time, laughing and dancing away from their mothers, who are watching them with big smiles on their faces. They’re wearing sequined hats, which really make them stand out in the crowd. The old men are watching the show while eating a few samosas. On the rooftops, groups of young people enjoy the more private view of the show while drinking the local World Cola.*
That was the first day of the Somaroho festival that took place from August 7 to 11, 2024, in Nosy Be, an Indian Ocean island paradise. Every year, right in the heart of this paradise island in the Indian Ocean, the Somaroho Festival attracts artists and festival-goers from all over the world to experience moments of joy, sharing, and musical discovery. It’s a festive event that celebrates Madagascar’s cultural and musical diversity.
On the first day of the festival, Nosy Be was filled with processions: dancers, tightrope walkers on stilts, stuntmen on rollerblades jumping over tuk-tuks, youth associations working to protect the environment, associations fighting violence against women, musicians, … you name it!
But the heart of it all is the music at the Somaroho Festival: It’s a celebration of Madagascan music, with a very rich and varied program. Local and international artists take the stage, blending traditional and contemporary sounds.
The festival features a variety of Malagasy musical styles, including salegy, tsapiky, reggae, jazz, pop, and rock. The artists perform their songs with a lot of passion, sharing their cultural heritage and messages through music. It’s a great chance to explore the amazing variety of music in Madagascar!
The Somaroho festival is much more than just a musical event. There are also art exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and cultural activities at the event, which add a nice touch of color and authenticity. What’s more, the Somaroho festival in Nosy Be kicks off each year with a colorful Carnival that showcases the island’s associations and businesses.
The idyllic setting of Nosy Be makes the Somaroho festival a unique and memorable experience. With its white sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and lush vegetation, festivalgoers are transported to a veritable tropical paradise! See you in 2025 for the next edition of the festival!