June 26th, Madagascar

Today is the 51st anniversary of Malagasi independence. Things could have been better for its citizens. What with being governed by a former radio DJ and its army and with threats that Western governments and aid agencies will withdraw financial support. Anyway, we’re celebrating. For the sake of the Malagasy people. This is also the start of a new regular gig where we’ll celebrate a country’s independence day by featuring some of the music of its young people. We had a harder time coming up with the short list below (we had an easy time with South Africa’s Youth Day (June 16th) and yesterday’s Mozambique Independence Day), but we found plenty of great stuff available. So here we go. (If we missed anything, let us know.)

Oladad:

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Ed Kashi in Madagascar

An unidentified man makes bricks in one of the photographs from photojournalist Ed Kashi‘s photo-essay “Madagascar” The series “… delves into environmental concerns, documenting the delicate balance between economic development and ecological preservation in the lush island nation.”

The photographs are on display at the WFC Courtyard Gallery in Lower Manhattan till May 14.

* Watch and listen to an interview with Kashi at The Guardian’s site.

Madagascar at The Oscars

French filmmaker, Bastien Dubois short animated film “Madagascar, a Journey Diary (Carnet de Voyage)” is nominated for an Oscar at this Sunday’s Academy Award ceremony.  The film is about Dubois’ experience witnessing a Famadihana, or “the turning of the dead people” ceremony in Madagascar. Amazingly, the film explores this event without necessarily exoticizing it – a tough feat for a travel log. The soundtrack is recorded by local musicians and Dubois uses mixed mediums (everything from embroidery to scrap metal) to relate to his audience in a visceral way.

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The Land Deals

Examine the 21st century’s land deals in African countries, and it’s mostly a collection of unequal “agreements” struck with wealthy nations and companies, busy securing land on which food will be produced.  The International Institute for Environment and Development’s Lorenzo Cotula’s article “Land deals in Africa: What is in the contracts?” provides a rare glimpse into the backroom handshakes, the details of which remain mostly secret.

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Africa on Film: Madagascar

Allison Swank
If you thought that a children’s film could escape the exaggerated eye roll of this cultural critic, then think again. I found the 2005 animated film Madagascar,  to be as problematic as any live action adult flick – if not more – so simply for the fact that it’s promoting a “West and the rest” mentality in our young people.

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