Jaojoby

Jaojoby (pronounced dzo-dzoob) began his recording career in the late 70's. Today he is the undisputed "King 0f Salegy". Even in the most remote parts of Madagascar, bands do cover versions of his songs and almost all bars, nightclubs and bush-taxis play Jaojoby's music. The oldest of thirteen children, Eusèbe Jaojoby was born in 1955 in Anboahangibe, near Sambava (one of the vanilla capitals of north-east Madagascar). Raised a Catholic, Jaojoby began singing in church several times a week where his uncle played the harmonium. It was obvious from the start that he had a clear, powerful and energetic voice. After winning a talent contest at age 15, Jaojoby began to sing in nightclubs and bars and was in great demand. His uncle informed Eusèbe’s parents of the situation and on the advice of their priest decided to let the fifteen-year-old follow his calling as long as his school work was not affected. Finally, in 1992, after many years of performing, English producer Ian Anderson gave Jaojoby the opportunity to record his first album in a multi-track studio in Antananarivo. New horizons immediately opened to the artist. In 1994, he benefited from a more professional environment for his second album "Velono." This was the album that launched him in the World Music festival circuits. In Portugal, Germany, Holland and France, notably at the festival for Mixed Music in Angoulême, at MASA in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) in 1997, Jaojoby showed everyone he knows how to make people dance.

"Jaojoby has definitely the best voice and one of the tightest, funkiest bands of all the long running Salegy stars."
- FRoots