Modeste Hugues, a renowned Malagasy musician, has been based in London for nearly 30 years, promoting traditional Malagasy music globally. He is celebrated for his exceptional guitar skills, hypnotic voice, and captivating stage performances. As an accomplished author, composer, and guitarist, Hugues has performed at prestigious international festivals, including the London Jazz Festival and the London African Music Festival. His music has been recognized by prominent publications such as The Independent.
Born in Betroka, in the north-east part of Madagascar's Anosy region, Hugues grew up in a musical family. His mother was a singer, and his uncle played the accordion. He discovered the guitar at 15, inspired by a neighbor's instrument. After his neighbor moved away, Hugues created his own guitar using materials from his school's workshop. He later explored the marovany, a traditional 24-stringed Malagasy guitar.
Hugues' musical journey was influenced by his family's encouragement and his father's emphasis on education. He pursued engineering studies in Bulgaria with a UNESCO scholarship at 26. Although he worked as an engineer, music remained a significant part of his life. It wasn't until he moved to London that he decided to dedicate himself to music full-time.
Hugues' music combines traditional Malagasy rhythms with influences from South African and Hawaiian dances, gospel, and soukous. He has released two solo albums, "Modeste" and "Fomba/Living Your Destiny" (2003), which garnered international attention. The Independent praised him as an excellent musician, skilled in both rhythm and lead guitar.
In addition to his solo work, Hugues collaborated with fellow musician Kilema on the 2019 album "Green World /Ala Maintso". This project showcased his versatility, featuring masterful vocal, guitar, marovany, and percussion performances. Hugues is currently working on new material for his next album.
As an environmentally conscious artist, Hugues has been involved in various projects promoting sustainability. His music has allowed him to share the stage with notable artists such as Cesaria Evora and Lokua Kanza. He frequently performs in London, where he has become a staple in the music scene.
With a career spanning decades, Modeste Hugues continues to captivate audiences with his unique sound and energetic live performances. His dedication to preserving and promoting Malagasy music has earned him a reputation as one of the country's most talented musicians.
Key points
- Modeste Hugues' music combines traditional Malagasy rhythms with international influences.
- He has performed at prominent festivals, including the London Jazz Festival.
- Hugues is an environmentally conscious artist who has collaborated with other musicians on sustainability projects.
