ABSTRACT
A central figure in a branch of Reunion maloya music that is known for its “return to the sources” that include Malagasy, Indian, and African roots, Olivier Araste has used his music, texts, and stage presence to build his reputation and some of his group’s legitimacy by emphasizing closeness to his ancestors. Exploring Olivier’s cultural and musical itinerary helps contextualize his music within his family’s management of its “Malagasy” and “Malbar” (influenced by Hindu popular traditions on Reunion Island) cultural and religious heritage. Artistic and professional success, institutional recognition, cultural prestige, and family destiny are interlocking aspects of Olivier’s itinerary and reflect core values in which the ancestors play a key role. From ancestor worship ceremonies called sèrvis kabaré to global World Music stages, Olivier’s itinerary illustrates to the many factors that shape contemporary maloya music, including cultural aspirations, institutions, cultural industries, and live performances.
