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Since 1993 Tarika have established a reputation for themselves on the world music circuit, and become successful enough to be called Madagascar's biggest musical export. The five-piece band (whose name translates simply as "the group"), led by singer and percussionist Hanitra Rasoanaivo has managed to stick to its instrumental and rhythmic roots, while still being relentlessly experimental. The group really began in 1983 when Rasoanaivo acted as translator for some British musicians who were in Madagascar to record local musicians. She introduced the foreigners to Sammy Andraimanahirana, then, along with her sister Norosoa, formed a band with same, called Tarika Sammy, who appeared on Current Modern Music of Madagascar (Globestyle) and the Henry Kaiser and David Lindley compilations A World out of Time. After one complete album, Fanafody, the band split, with Andraimanahirana returning to folkloric sounds under the Tarika Sammy moniker, and the sisters continuing as just Tarika, using ...