Velono by Eusèbe Jaojoby: A Salégy Spin That’ll Make You Forget Your Troubles
If you’ve ever wondered what it would sound like if joy had a soundtrack, Velono by Eusèbe Jaojoby is your answer. Released in 1996 under the French label Label Bleu and Indigo, this album isn’t just music—it’s a vibe. It straddles genres like Folk, World, Country, and International, but its heart beats to the rhythm of Salegy, that infectious Malagasy groove that makes even your grandma want to shake her hips.
Now, let me start by saying I’m no expert on Madagascan music (obviously), but there’s something about Velono that feels universal. Maybe it’s the way Eusèbe blends upbeat percussion with soulful vocals, or maybe it’s because listening to it feels like getting invited to a party where everyone knows each other—and they’re all cool with you crashing. The album has 14 tracks, but two of them stuck out so much they practically tattooed themselves into my brain.
First up, “Nintsika Jiaby Iz’Ty.” This track is pure ear candy. The moment those drums kick in, it’s like someone handed your playlist a caffeine shot. There’s an energy here that’s impossible to ignore—like when someone tells you not to think about penguins, and suddenly all you can picture are waddling birds wearing tuxedos. The melody worms its way into your head and sets up camp. And the lyrics? Well, unless you speak Malagasy, good luck understanding every word, but who cares? The emotion comes through loud and clear. It’s happy, it’s alive, and honestly, it made me question why I don’t dance more often.
Then there’s “Mananatsy Mijaly,” which might as well come with a warning label: “May cause spontaneous smiling.” This one’s got layers—a little bit of sweetness, a dash of sass, and enough rhythm to make your feet tap whether you want them to or not. What really gets me is how effortlessly Eusèbe pulls off these harmonies; it’s like he’s whispering, “Hey, life doesn’t have to be complicated,” while simultaneously proving that making great music kinda does. By the time the song ends, you’re left wondering if maybe happiness is a skill we could all learn from this guy.
Of course, the rest of the album keeps the momentum going. Tracks like “Velono” and “Jao” bring their own flavor to the mix, ensuring you never feel bored. Even repeats like “Ndeh’hody” don’t overstay their welcome—they just remind you how catchy they are.
Here’s the thing about Velono: it’s not trying too hard to impress anyone. It’s confident without being cocky, fun without being frivolous. Listening to it feels like meeting someone at a party who’s genuinely thrilled to see you—even though you’ve never met before.
So, what’s the takeaway? Life’s messy, sure, but albums like Velono remind us that sometimes, the best way to deal with chaos is to turn it into a dance floor. Or maybe just sit back, press play, and let Eusèbe Jaojoby do the heavy lifting for you. Either way, you win.
Oh, and one last thought—why isn’t Salegy bigger outside Madagascar? Seriously, somebody needs to fix that ASAP.
