Arikaomisa Randria is a multifaceted creative force in Madagascar, known for his work as a writer, actor, and author of radio plays. His passion for storytelling and the Malagasy language has driven his career, which began in his adolescence with a stint at Radio Madagasikara. There, he hosted a children's program called Ny Talentako, where he shared his tales and developed his unique style. This early start laid the groundwork for his future success.
Randria's love for radio and writing only grew stronger over the years. He went on to host his own show, Angano, angano, arira, arira, on Radio Don Bosco, which became extremely popular among Malagasy listeners. For eleven years, from 1997 to 2007, he shared countless stories with his audience, educating and entertaining children with his angano, or tales. Even today, his fans still ask him to return to the airwaves.
In response to his fans' requests, Randria has turned to alternative formats to share his stories. He has collaborated with Édition Jeunes Malgaches on a series of audiobooks, designed to promote literacy and access to reading in Malagasy. His fifth audiobook, Ilay lolokely jejo (The Little Coquet Butterfly), was released in September, and features illustrations by Max Razafindrainibe and a translation by Brice Danoly-Nirina Rakotomanga.
Randria's stories often feature animals, flowers, and plants, and aim to impart valuable life lessons. His most popular audiobook to date is Rapeto sy ny valihany (Rapeto and his Valiha). Through his work, Randria seeks to inspire a love of reading and learning in his audience, while also promoting the Malagasy language and culture.
Randria's writing career has been shaped by his encounters with other notable Malagasy writers and artists. In the 1990s, he was part of associations like Havatsa Upem and Faribolana Sandratra, which helped him develop his unique style. He cites Elie Rajaonarison, Rado, and Celestin Andriamanantena as key influences on his writing.
In addition to his work as a writer and actor, Randria is also a teacher and mentor. He has taught writing, kabary (the art of eloquence), and acting to students, and has worked on numerous radio plays and theatrical productions. His commitment to promoting the Malagasy language and culture is evident in all aspects of his work.
Randria's impact extends beyond the literary world. His radio plays and audiobooks have been adapted into films and television shows, reaching a wider audience and introducing his stories to new generations of Malagasy people. As he continues to create and innovate, Randria remains a vital voice in Malagasy literature and culture.
Key points
- Arikaomisa Randria has created a series of audiobooks to promote literacy and access to reading in Malagasy.
- His stories often feature animals, flowers, and plants, and aim to impart valuable life lessons.
- Randria's work has been shaped by his encounters with other notable Malagasy writers and artists.
