Belamba with Joel Rabesolo & Tonny Randriamanantena - Vahoaka (2026) [Hi-Res]

'Vahoaka' is the debut full-length album by the Malagasy duo Belamba, released on August 21, 2026, via the Belgian independent label Homerecords. Positioned within the ethno-modern movement, the project bridges ancestral Malagasy musical heritage with contemporary acoustic guitar, jazz improvisation, and subtle rock structures. The release was launched alongside performances at European events such as the Hide & Seek Festival in Brussels and Les Polysons in Huy, culminating in a two-day presentation at the Tiny Club in Liège.

The duo comprises guitarist and composer Joël Rabesolo alongside multi-instrumentalist Tonny Randriamanantena, son of Ny Malagasy Orkestra’s Donné Randriamanantena. Their instrumentation pairs traditional Malagasy acoustic instruments—including the marovany box zither, the valiha bamboo tube zither, traditional flutes, percussion, and vocals—with Rabesolo's acoustic guitar work.

For Rabesolo, a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and former member of Toko Telo and Malagasy Guitar Masters, 'Vahoaka' further articulates his 'Langage Marovanistique'—an approach translating traditional marovany polyrhythms and ornamentations onto the guitar fretboard. Released by Homerecords, the album forms part of the label's focus on contemporary folk and global acoustic traditions.

Tracklist:
1. Belamba with Joel Rabesolo & Tonny Randriamanantena - Arahabaina
2. Belamba with Joel Rabesolo & Tonny Randriamanantena - Lehilahy Mahery
3. Belamba with Joel Rabesolo & Tonny Randriamanantena - Katakata Sy Pakopako
4. Belamba with Joel Rabesolo & Tonny Randriamanantena - Belamba
5. Belamba with Joel Rabesolo & Tonny Randriamanantena - Kiliniota
6. Belamba with Joel Rabesolo & Tonny Randriamanantena - Mitomany Ny Tany
7. Belamba with Joel Rabesolo & Tonny Randriamanantena - Sampy
8. Belamba with Joel Rabesolo & Tonny Randriamanantena - Aiky Antra
9. Belamba with Joel Rabesolo & Tonny Randriamanantena - Talaho