Tsapiky

Tsapiky, rhythm and musical style characteristic of the South-West region of Madagascar
CountryMadagascar
Reference02272
RegionAfrica
Inscription history
Inscription2025 (20th session)
ListRepresentative

Tsapiky (Malagasy pronunciation: [t͡sapʲikʲ]) is a musical genre popular in southwest Madagascar, particularly in the former Toliara Province. It was created as a fusion between South African pop (originally picked up from Mozambican radio stations) and native Malagasy tradition in the 1970s. The music is characterized by its jerky rhythms and fast beat. The genre sees popularity in the contexts of sports events, night clubs, balls, celebrations, and funerals. Common instruments in tsapiky include: guitar, electric guitars, bass, drums, accordions, synthesizers, and vocals (usually provided by a choir of women).

Although initially consisting of solely acoustic instruments, in the 1980s, tsapiky also integrated electric guitars.