Madagascar - Sylvestre Randafison, a key figure in the development of Madagascar's most famous instrument, the valiha, passed away July 12.
Born Randafison Benjamin Sylvestre, Sylvestre Randafison was a major influence on numerous younger musicians including Justin Vali, Rajery, Ratovo, and Doné Andriambaliha.
Sylvestre Randafison was more than a musician. He was also a musical instrument maker and an ethnomusicologist at the National Academy of Madagascar. In the early '90s he was an artist in residence at the University of Washington in Seattle.
World Music Central
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