Madagascar grooves & melody lines for smiles and happiness
Donné Roberts, a Toronto-based artist with roots in Madagascar, leads a vibrant ensemble that masterfully blends Madagascar grooves with global melodies, earning them widespread acclaim, including a JUNO Award nomination for their album “OYA” as the best “Global Album of the Year 2022.” The band, formed in 2007, is a diverse collective featuring musicians from Canada, Madagascar, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Cuba, and Canada, creating a unique world music sound while maintaining a strong Malagasy groove.
The Donné Roberts Band believes in music’s power as a universal language that brings joy and unity. Their original songs, penned by Roberts and celebrated composers from Madagascar, are characterized by engaging Malagasy rhythms, vocal melodies, and lyrics that convey happy messages and invite smiles.
Known for their high-energy live shows, the band incorporates traditional groove, African Jazz elements, and catchy melodies that resonate with worldwide audiences, encouraging sing-alongs and inclusive, joyful experiences. Their participation in notable festivals, such as the Four Wind Music Festival and Afrofest, underscores their appeal and mission to spread happiness through music.
Roberts’s connection to Toronto, his home for over two decades, grounds him in a community rich in history and friendship. His commitment to fostering cultural exchanges through music is a testament to the power of melody in bridging cultures and spreading happiness.