Son Egal

Son Egal was produced by Simon Emmerson and Martin Russell.[10] It is a loose concept album about the Malagasy Uprising—where French colonists used Senegalese (and other African) forces to violently put down an uprising—that began 50 years prior to the album's release.[1][3][11] Tarika worked with Senegalese musicians, some from Baaba Maal's band.[12][13] Prior to recording the album, Hanitra, the band's frontwoman, spent time listening to Malagasy survivors of the violence; many survivors of torture were eager for rectification and understanding.[14][15] Hanitra wanted to improve relations with Senegal by acknowledging that the French colonial-trained forces were made up of soldiers from many African nations.[16] The band used valihas, koras, and tamas on the album; several songs employed the harmonies of sisters Hanitra and Noro.[17][18][19]

Many songs criticize the Malagasy politics of the 1990s, as well as global perceptions of Madagascar.[13][20] "Avelo" alludes to the problem of grave robbing in Madagascar.[17] "Diso Be" references the 1947 uprising and the 1897 exile of Queen Ranavalona III.[21] "Aza Misy Miteniteny" was written by revolutionary students of the 1970s.[22]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[23]
Dayton Daily News	[24]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[25]
MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide	[10]

Robert Christgau liked the album but debated whether its sound was "chirpy or ebullient."[26] The Washington Post deemed it "a high-energy Afro-pop outing."[27] The Guardian considered Son Egal "a typically exuberant dance set but also a brave and original political diatribe which contrasts the island's colonial past with modern-day racism and corruption."[14]

SF Weekly called the album "a vibrant, sweeping condemnation of the political corruption eating away at the island of Madagascar."[28] JazzTimes labeled it "political music with a seductive pulse and surface, a fascinating project," writing that "the group masterfully blends indigenous Malagassy music with modern notions, and in this case, arranges a collaboration with Senegalese musicians."[12] The Dayton Daily News praised the "soaring harmonies [and] speed-plucking guitar work."[24]

AllMusic wrote that "like other Tarika efforts, Son Egal has a strong sociopolitical bent ... it's clear that Tarika is a melodic powerhouse."[23]