Marovany (zither) and valiha (lute) player from Madagascar. Born in Toamasina, Madagascar, in 1947, he was initiated by his father at the age of eight to the art of mpihosokas, traditional Betsimisaraka troubdours, learning to play Marovany (zither) in possession tromba ceremonies. Member of the famous Petera Patrice troupe at seventeen, he founded with his wife Marceline Vaviroa, the Troupe Valiha in 1984, recording and touring regularly abroad.