Zebu Nation

On Zebu Nation, the recent release from the Cumbancha Discovery label, Madagascan Razia Said sings about the destruction of the natural world on her island nation. Extreme poverty has made slash and burn agriculture one of the only means of supporting a family. Deforestation has occurred on a massive scale—80% of the island’s forests are gone, and the rivers run red with soil eroded from the bare land. 

The album is melancholy at points and playful at others. Accordian weaves its way throughout Zebu Nation, and a sitar appears on one track. Razia’s vocals are mostly in her native Malagasy, connecting the album even more deeply to her homeland. “Omama” is a particularly lovely song on an album filled with replayable tracks.

Check out these three videos for a taste of Razia and her musical message. And a bonus: click here to download a free track!