Malagasy slammers speak out to denounce political and social problems
During a workshop organized by the “Madagaslam” association at the French Institute of Madagascar, young slam artists took the floor to express their political and social concerns. These urban poets use the power of their words to say loud and clear what is often silenced or whispered in Malagasy society.
Without artifice, only with their words and their powerful messages, Malagasy slammers address subjects such as social inequalities, discrimination, corruption, or even problems linked to political governance. With incisive verve, they denounce the ills of society and propose solutions to remedy them.
For these young slammers aged 15 to 30, slam has become an outlet, a way of expressing themselves freely in a country where young people often feel stifled. “Young people in Madagascar don’t dare say what they want to say. It’s killing them from the inside. Slam is a good way to make leaders understand that we’re in trouble. Even if it’s raw sometimes, in a poetic way, it’s much more beautiful to hear”, says Perf, facilitator of the workshop.
Beyond their political commitment, Malagasy slammers use slam to express their most intimate emotions. It’s a way for them to say things they wouldn’t dare say face to face. Among them, Idealy, 24, found the courage to talk about love during the workshop. “It’s really, really hard to tell someone I love them. That’s why I wrote it, it’s easier for me than saying it to their face. Besides, she was there… So that made things even harder,” he confides.
Since its beginnings around fifteen years ago, the slam scene in Madagascar has gained popularity among young people. It offers valuable freedom of tone for this generation who seeks to be heard and express their concerns. Slam thus becomes a means of giving a voice to those who are often silenced.
In conclusion, slam in Madagascar has become a powerful means of expression for Malagasy youth. These slammers make their voices heard, denounce injustices and propose ideas to improve their society. Slam offers valuable freedom of speech and allows this generation to express themselves in a poetic and impactful way.