The Committee
- Takes note that Madagascar has nominated Tsapiky, rhythm and musical style characteristic of the South-West region of Madagascar (No. 02272) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Tsapiky is a fast-paced musical genre that combines modern and traditional sounds and is deeply rooted in the social life of the inhabitants of southwestern Madagascar. It features electric guitars, drums, accordions and local instruments such as the ‘kabosy’ (a small guitar) and the ‘marovany’ (a string instrument). Although initially instrumental, over time it has evolved to include lyrics touching on daily life, love and social issues, as well as traditional dances. Tsapiky plays a central role in community life, as it is performed at nearly every social and ritual event, including weddings, funerals, festivals and ceremonies.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: The practice is passed down informally within families, neighbourhood groups or amateur and professional orchestras. Young musicians learn by listening, watching and practising with experienced players. Many tsapiky orchestras include singers, musicians and dancers, some of whom record music and tour widely. Older artists and associations also help promote and preserve the tradition. Tsapiky supports emotional expression, community bonds and social unity. For many, the music has a healing role, as the high-energy rhythm and dancing can lead to trance-like states that help release stress and ease physical pain. For the practising communities, tsapiky promotes a sense of belonging and continuity and contributes to their social life and resilience. It brings people together, supports cultural identity and promotes intergenerational connection.
R.2: The festive and cultural events at which tsapiky is performed generate income not only for musicians, singers and dancers, but also for other members of local communities, who take advantage of these occasions to sell handicrafts and provide services to tourists. These events also promote social ties and strengthen the sense of belonging to a community. On a broader level, it helps foster national reconciliation by encouraging mutual respect between different communities and promoting dialogue through music and dance. Finally, the element promotes gender equality, because, despite having been created and popularized by men, it is currently promoted and disseminated by both genders, and women tend to specialize in dance and singing.
R.3: The proposed safeguarding measures reflect the collaboration between bearer communities and government bodies. They are grouped into four areas: (a) inventory and documentation, through the community’s ongoing collaboration to keep information about the element up-to-date; (b) education and transmission, which is already ensured through informal channels and is now planned to be integrated into the formal education system; (c) the creation of a communication and culture centre to promote local cultural heritage; and (d) promotion and valorization, combined with the avoidance of any form of denaturalization of the element.
R.4: The nomination process involved local artists, authorities, academics and representatives of the communities concerned. They worked diligently to prepare the nomination file throughout various stages: data-collection, consultation and validation. The communities provided historical and ethnographic data, shared documentation about the element, helped identify the risks it faces, and validated safeguarding strategies. The consent of the parties involved is duly included in the nomination file.
R.5: The element was included in the National Inventory Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024. This inventory is managed by the Ministry of Communication and Culture, and its update is based on community consultations at undefined intervals.
- Decides to inscribe Tsapiky, rhythm and musical style characteristic of the South-West region of Madagascar on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.