Razia (singer)

Razia (born December 1, 1959) Razia Said, is a singer-songwriter and activist from Antalaha, Madagascar.[1] Razia's music draws on her African influences; such as, Fela and Papa Wemba, while incorporating R&B and Jazz, which she found upon moving to New York City in 1987. Razia is a nomad, spending time in Africa, France, Italy, Ibiza, Bali and New York City. Before recording Zebu Nation, Razia recorded her earlier material Magical released in 2006 upon moving to NYC. Despite the excitement of fixing her work to a disc, Razia was not totally satisfied. After many trips back to her home country of Madagascar, Razia had the opportunity to meet with one of the country's most prominent acts, Njava. Razia's time recording around Madagascar inspired her to write and record songs in the Malagasy language, while incorporating many of the familiar sounds and melodies with which she grew up.[2] Much of Razia's musical focus is aimed towards the protection and preservation of the environment, namely that of her homeland.[3] Razia is an activist fighting illegal logging in Madagascar. Her latest release The Road offers a warm, welcoming set of songs that take us deep into the emotional reality of Razia's self-made, globe-spanning life.