Go Back
Justin Vali
First Name: 
Last Name: 
Stage Name: 
Country: 
Born: 
Primary Language: 
Other Languages: 

Participations

1
Instrumentalist
Bio
Justin Rakotondrasoa, also known as Justin Vali, is a celebrated musician and multi-instrumentalist from Madagascar based in Paris. He is renowned for his mastery of the Vahili, a traditional Malagasy instrument. Vali's career took off in the late 1980s with contributions to compilations, leading to his own albums from 1990. His breakthrough came in 1994 with "Ny Marina" recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios. Collaborations like "The Sunshine Within" with Paddy Bush and the Malagasy All Stars project showcased his versatility. Vali frequently performs at music festivals, including WOMAD. In 2006, he received the Grand Prize for Traditional Music from the French songwriters' guild. His contributions to Malagasy music and mastery of the valiha have solidified his place in the world of world music.
Discography
Albums4
Madagascar All Stars
Madagascar All Stars2009 • AlbumTracks: 13
Live at GT's in Paris
Live at GT's in Paris2001 • AlbumTracks: 14
The Genius of Valiha
The Genius of Valiha1997 • AlbumTracks: 13
The Truth
The Truth1995 • AlbumTracks: 17
Label
Record Label associated with Justin Vali - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    Abderrahmane Abdelli
    Abderrahmane AbdelliAlgeria |1958| Berber
    Abderrahmane Abdelli is a singer-songwriter from Algeria. His music blends traditional Algerian music with modern styles like jazz, rock, and electronic music. Abdelli released his debut album, "Khali," in 1986, which was well-received and established him as a pioneer of Algerian music. His lyrics, mostly in the Berber language, deal with themes such as identity, exile, and the struggle for freedom, promoting Algeria's cultural heritage and giving a voice to the Berber people. Abdelli has collaborated with renowned musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, and Sinead O'Connor, and his music has been featured in film soundtracks. Abdelli's unique style and innovative approach have earned him fans worldwide, inspiring and influencing musicians with his message through music.
    Teame Weledemichael
    Teame WeledemichaelEritrea |1920| Tigrinya
    Teame Weldemichael, the Eritrean musician, is a celebrated artist renowned for his contribution to Eritrea's rich musical landscape. With a career spanning decades, Weldemichael has created a distinct sound blending traditional Eritrean rhythms with contemporary influences, earning him acclaim for his cultural preservation and musical innovation.
    Houari Dauphin
    Houari DauphinAlgeria |1971| Arabic
    Houari Siouani, also known as Houari Dauphin, is an Algerian singer whose love for music blossomed at a young age. At fifteen, he began performing raï music at restaurants, parties, and wedding celebrations, rapidly gaining popularity in both the city and neighboring towns. His debut album, "Ya lemouima khelini n'rouh," released in 1996, was met with instant success. Throughout his career, Dauphin has amassed a discography of over forty releases and embarked on extensive tours across multiple countries. He has also taken center stage at major festivals, showcasing his talents not only in his homeland but also abroad.
    Salim Ali Amir
    Salim Ali AmirComoros |1965| Arabic
    Born in the Badjanani district of Comoros, Salim Ali Amir grew up learning Islam. Discovering Arabic songs that glorify Prophet Muhammad, called Kasuda, sparked his interest in music. Meeting and going on tour with Cheikh Izdini Ben Said Massound, in the 80s and forming the music group Ngaya was the beginning of his illustrious music career. Over the span of 35 years, Salim Ali Amir has released over 10 albums and risen to be considered the greatest Comorian artist.
    Mzee Yusuph
    Mzee YusuphTanzania, United Republic of |1920| Swahili
    Mzee Yusuph Mwinyi is a renowned Tanzanian artist known for his roles as an actor, singer, and songwriter. He is hailed as the King of Modern Taarab, a significant music genre in Tanzania. In 2001, he formed the music group Zanzibar Modern Taarab. Throughout his career, Mzee Yusuph has produced many hit songs and albums, including notable tracks like "Kipendacho Roho," "Nitadumu Nae," and "Mpenzi Chocolate." After a hiatus, Mzee returned to the industry, rebranding his type of music and releasing more songs. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the Taarab music scene, solidifying his status as a prominent and influential figure in Tanzanian music and entertainment.