MADAGASCAR: Morondava, l'Oasis

After having spent a few days in the jungle with my partner – bass player in En Transit and singer in Malgache Proch – we arrive at L'Oasis, tired but contented. This spot was recommended to us by John Cool, our guide on the island. The location is really inviting and gives us a feeling of being at home from  the start. In the background we can hear a Wailers track playing. L'Oasis includes a rum bar, a restaurant and a hotel, all covered in red, gold and green colours. So we find ourselves  in a genuine temple with all kinds of references to rasta culture and Bob Marley. There's even a signed photograph of the singer in a central position behind the bar. Traditional and handmade instruments, mixed with some keepsakes, complete the picture of the interior. It's interesting to know that the instruments are still being played by the owner.

Jean Le Rasta, the manager of the premises, sports a gigantic dreadlock which immediately fills the room with a strong fragrance. While we enjoy a homemade rum, a band takes the stage, apparently an everyday custom . It allows for a very nice atmosphere. L'Oasis  isn't only a restaurant and bar, but also a meeting place and rehearsal space for various artists, where every Madagascan with musical ambitions gets a chance to appear on stage. For the local rastas this is the place to be.

Reggae riffs, the combination of French and Skalava – a local dialect – lyrics and percussion make up the foundations of the rhythms from Madagascar. The audience at L'Oasis is a blend of rastas, Vazah (white people) and women (called gazelles). The latter dance with a particularly female force to long-familiar rhythms.

The homemade rum is to our taste so we have another one. Around midnight we want to leave the bar, but Jean Le Rasta treats us to one of his own compositions, inspired by the music of Bob Marley. With his unpolished voice he launches into a song about the children of Madagascar. The tune refers to the daily life of Madagascans, a sharp contrast to the paradisiacal perception of the island. With this song and a heavy dose of good vibes in our backpack we proceed on our tour of Madagascar. L'Oasis is a pleasant place to stay and a definite must on a trip of the island. So check it out!

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