Famous people from Madagascar
Here is a list of famous people from Madagascar. Curious if anybody from Madagascar made it our most famous people in the world list? Read the aformentioned article in order to find out.
Andry Rajoelina
Politician
Andry Nirina Rajoelina is the President of the High Transitional Authority of Madagascar. He became president on 21 March 2009 during a political crisis, having held the office of Mayor of Antananarivo for one year prior. Before entering the political arena, Rajoelina launched several successful enterprises, including a printing and advertising company called Injet in 1999 and the Viva radio and television networks in 2007. He began his career as an entrepreneur in his teenage years, first as a disc jockey at local clubs and parties, and later by organizing and promoting musical events in the capital. Upon rising to power, Rajoelina dissolved the Senate and National Assembly and transferred their powers to a variety of new governance structures he made responsible for overseeing the transition toward a new constitutional authority. These administrative structures have repeatedly conflicted with the internationally mediated process to establish a transitional government of consensus. Voters approved a new constitution in a national referendum unilaterally organized by the Rajoelina administration in November 2010, ushering in the Fourth Republic and putting in place the conditions enabling Rajoelina to stand in the next general election. In January 2013 he announced his decision to abstain from running in the 2013 general election, but in May 2013 he reversed this decision and submitted his candidature. A special electoral court ruled in August 2013 that his candidature was invalid and that Rajoelina would not be permitted to run in the 2013 election. He has declared an interest in presenting himself as a presidential candidate in a future election.
Claude Simon
Novelist
Claude Simon was a French novelist and the 1985 Nobel Laureate in Literature. He was born in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and died in Paris, France. His parents were French, his father being a career officer who was killed in the First World War. He grew up with his mother and her family in Perpignan in the middle of the wine district of Roussillon. Among his ancestors was a general from the time of the French Revolution. After secondary school at Collège Stanislas in Paris and brief sojourns at Oxford and Cambridge he took courses in painting at the André Lhote Academy. He then travelled extensively through Spain, Germany, the Soviet Union, Italy and Greece. This experience as well as those from the Second World War show up in his literary work. At the beginning of the war Claude Simon took part in the battle of the Meuse and was taken prisoner. He managed to escape and joined the resistance movement. At the same time he completed his first novel, Le Tricheur, which he had started to write before the war. He lived in Paris and used to spend part of the year at Salses in the Pyrenees. In 1961 Claude Simon received the prize of L'Express for La Route des Flandres and in 1967 the Médicis prize for Histoire. The University of East Anglia made him honorary doctor in 1973.
Marc Ravalomanana
Politician
Marc Ravalomanana is a Malagasy politician who was the President of Madagascar from 2002 to 2009. Born into a farming Merina family in Imerinkasinina, near the capital city of Antananarivo, Ravalomanana first rose to prominence as the founder and CEO of the vast dairy conglomerate TIKO, later launching successful wholesaler MAGRO and several additional companies. He entered politics upon founding the Tiako Iarivo political party in 1999 and successfully ran for the position of mayor of Antananarivo, holding the position from 1999 to 2001. As mayor he improved sanitary and security conditions in the city. In August 2001 he announced his candidacy as an independent in the December 2001 presidential election. He then took office as President in 2002 amidst a dispute over election results in which he successfully pressed his claim to have won a majority in the first round. Under the leadership of Jacques Sylla, Ravalomanana's Prime Minister from 2002 to 2007, the political party Tiako i Madagasikara was founded in 2002 to support Ravalomanana's presidency and came to dominate legislative and local elections. He was re-elected in December 2006, again with a majority in the first round.
Ranavalona III
Noble person
Ranavalona III was the last sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar. She ruled from July 30, 1883 to February 28, 1897 in a reign marked by ongoing and ultimately futile efforts to resist the colonial designs of the government of France. As a young woman, she was selected from among several Andriana qualified to succeed Queen Ranavalona II upon her death. Like both preceding queens, Ranavalona entered a political marriage with a member of the Hova elite named Rainilaiarivony, who in his role as Prime Minister of Madagascar, largely oversaw the day-to-day governance of the kingdom and managed its foreign affairs. Ranavalona tried to stave off colonization by strengthening trade and diplomatic relations with the United States and Great Britain throughout her reign. French attacks on coastal port towns and an assault on the capital city of Antananarivo ultimately led to the capture of the royal palace in 1895, ending the sovereignty and political autonomy of the century-old kingdom. The newly installed French colonial government promptly exiled Rainilaiarivony to Algiers, although Ranavalona and her court were initially permitted to remain as symbolic figureheads. But the outbreak of a popular resistance movement – the menalamba rebellion – and discovery of anti-French political intrigues at court led the French to exile the queen to the island of Réunion in 1897. Rainilaiarivony died that same year and shortly thereafter Ranavalona was relocated to a villa in Algiers, along with several members of her family. The queen, her family and the servants accompanying her were provided an allowance and enjoyed a comfortable standard of living including occasional trips to Paris for shopping and sightseeing. Despite Ranavalona's repeated requests, she was never permitted to return home to Madagascar. She died of an embolism at her villa in Algiers in 1917 at the age of 55. Her remains were buried in Algiers but were disinterred 21 years later and shipped to Madagascar, where they were placed within the tomb of Queen Rasoherina on the grounds of the Rova of Antananarivo.
Ranavalona I
Noble person
Ranavalona I, also known as Ramavo and Ranavalo-Manjaka I, was sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar from 1828 to 1861. After positioning herself as queen following the death of her young husband, Radama I, Ranavalona pursued a policy of isolationism and self-sufficiency, reducing economic and political ties with European powers, repelling a French attack on the coastal town of Foulpointe, and taking vigorous measures to eradicate the small but growing Malagasy Christian movement initiated under Radama I by members of the London Missionary Society. She made heavy use of the traditional practice of fanompoana to complete public works projects and develop a standing army of between 20,000 and 30,000 Merina soldiers, whom she deployed to pacify outlying regions of the island and further expand the realm. The combination of regular warfare, disease, difficult forced labor and harsh measures of justice resulted in a high mortality rate among soldiers and civilians alike during her 33-year reign. Although greatly obstructed by Ranavalona's policies, French and British political interests in Madagascar remained undiminished. Divisions between traditionalist and pro-European factions at the queen's court created opportunities that European intermediaries exploited in an attempt to hasten the succession of Ranavalona's son, Radama II. The young prince disagreed with many of his mother's policies and was amenable to French proposals for the exploitation of the island's resources, as expressed in the Lambert Charter he concluded with a French representative in 1855. These plans were never successful, however, and Radama II was not to take the throne until Ranavalona's death in 1861 at the age of 83.
Didier Ratsiraka
Politician
Vice Admiral Didier Ratsiraka is a Malagasy politician who was President of Madagascar from 1975 to 1993 and from 1997 to 2002.
Nirina Zubir
Actor
Nirina Zubir is a popular MTV Movie Award winning Indonesian actress in modern Indonesian cinemaradio DJ and MTV VJ, appearing on television as a presenter, starring in commercials, acting the part of various characters and even showing up as an impromptu singer.
John van Lottum
Tennis Player
John van Lottum is a former tennis player from The Netherlands, who played professionally from 1994–2007. During his career, he won 5 Challenger titles in singles; notably defeated Lleyton Hewitt and Todd Martin; and reached the 4th round of Wimbledon in 1998. The right-hander reached his career-high singles ranking on the ATP Tour in April 1999, when he became World No. 62. He has an older sister, Noëlle van Lottum, who played on the WTA Tour for France circuit from 1987–1999, with a career-high ranking of World No. 57 in singles. After his tennis career he was considered as a coach for Michaëlla Krajicek, but instead joined TV channel Eurosport as a tennis commentator. In June 2008, he coached Elena Dementieva during the Ordina Open and Wimbledon.
Radama I
Noble person
Radama I "the Great" was the first Malagasy sovereign to be recognized as King of Madagascar by a European state. He came to power at the age of 17 following the death of his father, King Andrianampoinimerina. Under Radama's rule and at his invitation, the first Europeans entered his central highland Kingdom of Imerina and its capital at Antananarivo. Radama encouraged these London Missionary Society envoys to establish schools to teach tradecraft and literacy to nobles and potential military and civil service recruits; they also introduced Christianity and taught literacy using the translated Bible. A wide range of political and social reforms were enacted under his rule, including an end to the international slave trade, which had historically been a key source of wealth and armaments for the Merina monarchy. Through aggressive military campaigns he successfully united two-thirds of the island under his rule. Abuse of alcohol weakened his health and he died prematurely at age 32. He was succeeded by his highest-ranking wife, Ranavalona I.
Andrianampoinimerina
Deceased Person
Ruling between 1787–1810, Andrianampoinimerina, born Ramboasalama or Ramboasalamarazaka at Ambohimanga around 1745, initiated the unification of Madagascar under Merina rule and is considered one of the greatest military and political leaders in the history of Madagascar. Andrianampoinimerina deposed his uncle, King Andrianjafy of Imerina Avarandrano, one of four continually warring principalities that emerged upon the division of the historically unified Imerina kingdom by King Andriamasinavalona a century before. Andrianampoinimerina established his capital at the fortified town of Ambohimanga, a site of great spiritual, cultural and political significance that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and where the king's original royal lodgings can still be visited today. From this position, he progressively extended his domain first over all Imerina, then over the greater Highlands, absorbing the Betsileo, Sihanaka, Bezanozano and Bara territories. He died after reigning for 23 years. His reign formed the basis for the unification of Madagascar, which was almost achieved under his son Radama I.
Anicet Andrianantenaina
Soccer Midfielder
Anicet Andrianantenaina Abel or simply Anicet is a Malagasy footballer, who currently plays as a second striker for Botev Plovdiv in the Bulgarian A Professional Football Group.
Rainilaiarivony
Politician
Rainilaiarivony was the Prime Minister of Madagascar from 1864 to 1895, succeeding his older brother Rainivoninahitriniony, who had held the post for thirteen years. His career mirrored that of his father Rainiharo, a renowned military man who became Prime Minister during the reign of Queen Ranavalona I. Despite a childhood marked by ostracism from his family, as a young man Rainilaiarivony was elevated to a position of high authority and confidence in the royal court, serving alongside his father and brother. He co-led a critical military expedition with Rainivoninahitriniony at the age of 24 and was promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the army following the death of the queen in 1861. In that position he oversaw continuing efforts to maintain royal authority in the outlying regions of Madagascar and acted as adviser to his brother, who had been promoted to Prime Minister in 1852. He also influenced the transformation of the kingdom's government from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one, in which power was shared between the sovereign and the Prime Minister. Rainilaiarivony and Queen Rasoherina worked together to depose Rainivoninahitriniony for his abuses of office in 1864. Taking his brother's place as Prime Minister, Rainilaiarivony remained in power for the next 31 years by marrying three queens in succession: Rasoherina, Ranavalona II and Ranavalona III.
Albert Camille Vital
Politician
Brigadier General Albert Camille Vital is a Malagasy Army officer, politician and civil engineer. He was Prime Minister of Madagascar from 2009 to 2011, and he has been Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva since 2012. Trained in the USSR, Vital was Chief of the Technical Office of the State Forces Staff Development, and then appointed corps commander of the first regiment of the Military Region No. 5 Toliara before training at the Ecole Supérieure de Guerre in Paris in 2001-2002. On 20 December 2009, Vital was named Prime Minister by the President Andry Rajoelina, succeeding Eugène Mangalaza. He was succeeded by Omer Beriziky on 28 October 2011. After serving as Prime Minister, Vital was appointed as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva; he presented his credentials as Permanent Representative in August 2012.
Philibert Tsiranana
Politician
Philibert Tsiranana was a Malagasy politician and leader, who served as the first President of Madagascar from 1959 to 1972. During the twelve years of his administration, the Republic of Madagascar enjoyed institutional stability that stood in contrast to the political turmoil many countries of the African mainland experienced in this period. This stability contributed to Tsiranana's popularity and his reputation as a remarkable statesman. Compared with the leaders of other developing countries of the time, his conduct appears honorable. Madagascar experienced moderate economic growth under his pragmatic socialist policies and came to be known as "the Happy Island." However, the democratization process was fraught with challenges and his term ultimately terminated in a political impasse that brought about the end of the democratic First Republic and ushered in the isolationist, Soviet-inspired socialist Second Republic. The "benevolent schoolmaster" public image that Tsiranana cultivated disguised intense firmness that tended toward authoritarianism. Nonetheless, he remains an esteemed Malagasy political figure remembered throughout the country as its "Father of Independence."
François Bayle
Musique concrète Artist
François Bayle is a composer of Electronic Music, Musique concrète. He coined the term Acousmatic Music. In the 1950s he studied with Olivier Messiaen, Pierre Schaeffer and Karlheinz Stockhausen. In 1960 he joined the Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française, and in 1966 was put in charge of the Groupe de Recherches Musicales. In 1975, the GRM was integrated with the new Institut national de l'audiovisuel with Bayle as its head, which post he held until 1997. During these years he organized concerts, radio broadcasts, seminars and events celebrating individual composers, supported technological developments and was behind innovations such as the Acousmonium and the INA-GRM recordings label. After leaving GRM in 1997, he founded his own electronic music studio, the Studio Magison, where he has devoted himself to research, writing and composition. In the world of electronic art music, Bayle is regarded as one of the most distinguished composers; his influence is widespread and his music has earned some of the most prestigious musical prizes. 18 CDs entirely of his music have been released, an exceptionally large number for one composer in the annals of electronic art music. In 2012, François Bayle is taking part in french documentary Musique électronique directed by Jérémie Carboni.
Dally Randriantefy
Tennis Player
Dally Randriantefy is a former professional female tennis player. Her highest rank on the WTA tour is No.44 and her best results have been a semi-final appearance at the WTA Strasbourg tournament in 2005 and winning seven ITF singles titles. She retired from professional tennis after a first round loss at the 2006 Australian Open against Akgul Amanmuradova.
Lalaina Nomenjanahary
Soccer Midfielder
Lalaina Nomenjanahary is a Malagasy footballer currently plays for French club RC Lens in France.
Faneva Imà Andriatsima
Soccer Forward
Faneva Imà Andriatsima is a Malagasy football striker currently playing for French side US Créteil-Lusitanos.
Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo
Author
Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo, born Joseph-Casimir Rabearivelo, is widely considered to be Africa's first modern poet and the greatest literary artist of Madagascar. Part of the first generation to grow up under French colonization, Rabearivelo was impoverished in childhood and failed to complete his secondary education. His passion for French literature and Malagasy traditional poetry prompted him to read extensively and educate himself on a variety of subjects, including the French language and its poetic and prose traditions. He published his first poems as an adolescent in local literary revues, soon obtaining employment at a publishing house where he worked as a proofreader and editor of its literary journals. He published numerous poetry anthologies in French and Malagasy, as well as literary critiques, an opera, and two novels. Rabearivelo's early period of modernist-inspired poetry showed skill and attracted critical attention but adhered strictly to traditional genre conventions. The surrealist poetry he composed beginning in 1931 displayed greater originality, garnering him strong praise and acclaim. Despite increasing critical attention in international poetry revues, Rabearivelo was never afforded access to the elite social circles of colonial Madagascar. He suffered a series of personal and professional disappointments, including the death of his young daughter, the French authority's decision to exclude him from the list of exhibitors at the Universal Exposition in Paris, and growing debt worsened by his philandering and opium addiction. Following Rabearivelo's suicide by cyanide poisoning in 1937, he became viewed as a colonial martyr.
Éric Pichet
Economist
Éric Pichet is a French economist and post-graduate professor. His main areas of expertise lie in market finance, monetary economics, fiscal economics, corporate governance and fiscal governance.
Radama II
Noble person
Radama II was the son and heir of Queen Ranavalona I and ruled from 1861 to 1863 over the Kingdom of Madagascar, which controlled virtually the entire island. Radama's rule, although brief, was a pivotal period in the history of the Kingdom of Madagascar. Under the unyielding and often harsh 33-year rule of his mother, Queen Ranavalona I, Madagascar had successfully preserved its cultural and political independence from French and British designs. Rejecting the queen's policy of isolationism and Christian persecution, Radama II permitted religious freedom and re-opened Madagascar to European influence. Under the terms of the Lambert Charter, which Radama secretly contracted in 1855 with French entrepreneur Joseph-François Lambert while Ranavalona yet ruled, the French were awarded exclusive rights to the exploitation of large tracts of valuable land and other lucrative resources and projects. This agreement, which was later revoked by Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, was key to establishing France's claim over Madagascar as a protectorate and, in 1896, as a colony. The dramatic contrast between Ranavalona's isolationism and her son's pro-European stance represented an abrupt reversal of policy that threatened the traditional sociopolitical order. Radama's absolutism in pursuing dramatic reforms in disregard of the advice of his ministers ultimately turned them against him. In a coup led by his Prime Minister, Rainivoninahitriniony, Radama II was strangled on May 12, 1863. His wife Rabodo, who took the throne name Rasoherina, was allowed by the ministers to succeed her husband on the condition that she and future sovereigns would no longer rule unilaterally, but rather in concert with the Hova as represented by the position of Prime Minister. The public was informed that Radama had committed suicide and that his body had been unceremoniously interred in a tomb in Ilafy. However, there soon emerged rumors – believed by prominent foreigners Jean Laborde and William Ellis – that Radama lived and was making plans to reclaim the throne. A strong case has since been made on the basis of significant evidence that Radama may indeed have revived after the strangling and lived to old age in anonymity near Lake Kinkony in the northwestern part of the island.
Albert Zafy
Politician
Albert Zafy is a Malagasy politician. He was the President of Madagascar from 27 March 1993 to 5 September 1996.
Omer Beriziky
Politician
Jean Omer Beriziky is a Malagasy politician and diplomat who has been Prime Minister of Madagascar in the government of consensus of President Andry Rajoelina since 2011. Beriziky, who hails from the northern part of the island, worked as a history professor. He was posted in Brussel as Madagascar's Ambassador to the European Union and Belgium from 1995 to 2006. A member of the LEADER Fanilo political party, Beriziky was appointed as Prime Minister on 28 October 2011 on the proposal of the party of former President Albert Zafy. He took office on 2 November 2011.
Ali Soilih
Politician
Ali Soilih, full name Ali Soilih Mtsashiwa, was a Comorian socialist revolutionary and political figure.
Kame Ali
Olympic Track and field Athlete
Ali Kamé is a Malagasy track and field athlete who competes in the decathlon. He won the gold medal at the 2012 African Championships in Athletics and was a bronze medallist at the 2011 All-Africa Games. His personal best of 7685 points is the Malagasy record and he is a three-time winner of the African Combined Events Championships.
Ranavalona II
Noble person
Ranavalona II was Queen of Madagascar from 1868 to 1883, succeeding Queen Rasoherina. She is best remembered for Christianizing the royal court during her reign.
Gabriel Ramanantsoa
Politician
Gabriel Ramanantsoa was the President and Prime Minister of Madagascar from 1972 to 1975. Ramanantsoa was a member of the Merina ethnic group, and came from a wealthy family. He was a career officer in the French army. After Madagascar became independent, he joined the Madagascar military, rising to the rank of Major General. In May 1972, amidst massive political protests, he became prime minister of the country, and a few months later, when President Philibert Tsiranana gave up power, Ramanantsoa became President, taking office on October 11, 1972. He tried to start political reconciliation. His government was nearly overthrown in December 1974. On February 5, 1975 he resigned amidst ethnic and social class tensions.
Rasoherina
Noble person
Rasoherina was Queen of Madagascar from 1863 to 1868, succeeding her husband Radama II following his presumed assassination.
Paulin Voavy
Soccer Forward
Paulin Voavy is a Malagasy footballer who currently plays for French Championnat National side AS Cannes.
Richard Ratsimandrava
Politician
Colonel Richard Ratsimandrava was President of Madagascar for six days in February 1975. His assassination in 1975 led to a civil war.
Philippe Eidel
Film music contributor
Philippe Eidel is a French music producer, writer and film music composer.
John Caesar
Bushranger
John Caesar, nicknamed "Black Caesar", was the first Australian bushranger and one of the first people of recent African descent to arrive in Australia.
Rakoto Frah
Musical Artist
Philibert Rabezoza, better known by the name Rakoto Frah, was a flautist and composer of traditional music of the central highlands of Madagascar. Born in 1923 near the capital city of Antananarivo to a poor rural family, Rakoto Frah surmounted the challenges posed by his underprivileged origins to become the most acclaimed 20th century performer of the sodina flute, one of the oldest traditional instruments on the island. Through frequent international concerts and music festival performances, he promoted the music of the highlands of Madagascar and became one of the most famous Malagasy artists, both within Madagascar and on the world music scene. After gaining regional recognition for his sodina skills as a youth, Rakoto Frah rose to national fame in 1958 when he was selected by Malagasy President Philibert Tsiranana to perform on the sodina for the visiting French president Charles de Gaulle. This event launched his career as a professional musician. He first played at traditional ceremonies around the country, then expanded his performances from 1967 to include participation in international music competitions and festivals. His popularity declined in the 1970s but underwent a revival that began in the mid-1980s and continued until his death in 2001. During this period Rakoto Frah recorded ten albums, toured extensively in Madagascar and overseas, was featured in two French documentaries, and collaborated with a variety of international and Malagasy artists. Over the course of his career he recorded over 800 original compositions. Rakoto Frah and his sodina were depicted on the 200 ariary Malagasy banknote in honor of his key role in revitalizing and internationally popularizing the sodina. Despite the artist's worldwide acclaim, he lived simply and died having earned little from his lifetime of musicianship. His death was widely mourned and marked by a state funeral, and in 2011 a famadihana was organized to celebrate the artist's life.
Monja Roindefo
Politician
Monja Roindefo Zafitsimivalo is a Malagasy politician who was Prime Minister of Madagascar from March 2009 to October 2009. He was appointed on 7 February 2009 by opposition leader Andry Rajoelina at the head of Rajoelina's rival government; later, on 17 March, Andry Rajoelina was installed in power by the military, and Monja Roindefo officially took over as Prime Minister.
Said Mohamed Djohar
Politician
Said Mohammed Djohar was a Comorian politician who served as President of the Comoros during the 1990s.
Philippe Jeantot
Sailor
Philippe Jeantot is a French former deep sea diver, who achieved recognition as a sailor for long-distance, single-handed racing and record-setting. He founded the Vendée Globe, a single-handed, round-the-world, non-stop yacht race.
Hervé Arsène
Soccer
Hervé Arsène is a French-Malagasy football player who played with US Saint André, RC Lens and La Roche Vendée Football.
Jacques Rabemananjara
Politician
Jacques Rabemananjara was a Malagasy politician, playwright and poet. He served as a government minister rising to vice President. Rabemananjara was said to be the most prolific writer of his negritude generation after Senghor, and he had the first négritude poetry published.
Jacques Sylla
Politician
Jacques Hugues Sylla was a Malagasy politician. He was the Prime Minister of Madagascar under President Marc Ravalomanana from February 2002 until January 2007. He subsequently served as the President of the National Assembly of Madagascar from 2007 until 2009. Sylla was born on the island of Sainte-Marie, Analanjirofo, off the east coast of Madagascar. He is the son of Albert Sylla, who served as Foreign Minister under Madagascar's first president, Philibert Tsiranana, until being killed in a plane crash in July 1967. He served as Foreign Minister himself from 1993 to 1996, under President Albert Zafy. He was an opponent of President Didier Ratsiraka and was one of the lawyers advising Marc Ravalomanana when he was elected Mayor of Antananarivo in 1999. Sylla was also a founder of the Toamasina section of the National Committee for the Observation of Elections. Sylla backed Ravalomanana in the crisis that followed the December 2001 presidential election and argued Ravalomanana's case before the High Constitutional Court. On February 26, 2002, in the midst of the crisis, Ravalomanana named Sylla as Prime Minister, a few days after Ravalomanana declared himself president. After Ravalomanana was sworn in for a second time in early May, Sylla was reappointed as Prime Minister on May 9.
Norbert Ratsirahonana
Politician
Norbert Lala Ratsirahonana is a Malagasy politician. He was born in Antsiranana, Diana Region. He founded and led the Asa Vita no Ifampitsarana Party, which opposed President Didier Ratsiraka. He and his party were part of the coalition which elected Albert Zafy to the presidency in 1993. Ratsirahonana then became President of the High Constitutional Court. On May 28, 1996, when the prime minister was deposed by Parliament in a no confidence vote, Zafy appointed Ratsirahonana to the post. Soon afterward, Zafy was impeached and, on September 5, 1996, Ratsirahonana became acting President of Madagascar. A presidential election was held on November 3, 1996, in which Ratsirahonana ran, taking fourth place and 10.14% of the vote. Ratsirahonana backed Zafy in the second round, which was held on December 29, but Ratsiraka narrowly prevailed; Ratsirahonana left office as President when Ratsiraka was sworn in, on February 9, 1997. Twelve days later, he also lost his position as Prime Minister when Ratsiraka appointed one of his own allies. The AVI then became the main opposition party, though it became very weak, winning only 13 of the 150 seats in the 1998 parliamentary election.
Muni
Actor
Muni was a French actress who often appeared in the late films of movie director Luis Buñuel. She is sometimes credited as Marguerite Muni.
Claudio Ramiadamanana
Footballer
Claudio Ramiadamanana is a Malagasy footballer who currently plays for SO Romorantin of the Championnat de France amateur.
Tantely Andrianarivo
Politician
René Tantely Gabrio Andrianarivo was a politician in Madagascar. He was the Prime Minister of Madagascar from 23 July 1998 until 31 May 2002, under President Didier Ratsiraka. During Ratsiraka's first period in office, Andrianarivo served in the government as Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines. Following Ratsiraka's victory in the 1996 presidential election, Andrianarivo became Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Economy and Finance in the new government of Prime Minister Pascal Rakotomavo, named on February 27, 1997; he was one of three deputy prime ministers, along with Pierrot Rajaonarivelo and Herizo Razafimahaleo. Following parliamentary elections held in May 1998, he was named Prime Minister by Ratsiraka in July to replace Rakotomavo. During the 2002 election dispute between Ratsiraka and Marc Ravalomanana, which eventually led to Ratsiraka being forced into exile, Andrianarivo announced a state of emergency imposed by Ratsiraka following Ravalomanana's declaration that he was president on February 22. In the following months the two rival governments struggled for control of the island. On 27 May 2002, Ravalomanana's forces raided the prime minister's residence in Antananarivo — the last government building in the capital still under the control of the Ratsiraka government — and detained Andrianarivo; Ravalomanana's prime minister, Jacques Sylla, took over the residence. In response, Ratsiraka said he would not participate in planned talks until Andrianarivo was released.
Nicole Ramalalanirina
Olympic athlete
Nicole Ramalalanirina is a French athlete who specializes in the 100 metres hurdles. She changed nationality from her native Madagascar in 1998. Her personal best time in the 100 metres hurdles is 12.76 seconds, achieved in November 2000 in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Charles Rabemananjara
Politician
Charles Rabemananjara is a former Prime Minister of Madagascar. He took office on 20 January 2007 at the beginning of the second term of President Marc Ravalomanana. During Ravalomanana's first term, Rabemananjara became director of the military cabinet of the presidency in 2004 and was then named Minister of the Interior and Administrative Reform on November 28, 2005. After becoming Prime Minister, Rabemananjara remained Interior Minister in the new government, named on January 25, 2007. Following the September 2007 parliamentary election, Ravalomanana appointed a new government, in which Rabemananjara remained in his posts as Prime Minister and Interior Minister, on October 27, 2007. He was additionally assigned the Decentralization portfolio in the 19-member government appointed on April 30, 2008. As Prime Minister, he is an ex officio member of the national political bureau of the ruling Tiako i Madagasikara political party and therefore remained on the political bureau at TIM's May 2008 congress. Rabemananjara is a Merina, like Ravalomanana. He is also a general in the army of Madagascar.
Raymond Ranjeva
Judge
Raymond Ranjeva, served as a judge on the International Court of Justice from February, 1991 until February, 2009. He holds the following degrees: Bachelor's degree in law, University of Madagascar, Antananarivo; diplôme from Madagascar National School of Administration; trainee in the Judicial Division of the Conseil d'Etat, Paris; diplôme d'études supérieures de sciences politiques, University of Paris, Faculty of Law and Economic Science; diplôme d'études supérieures de droit public, University of Madagascar; Doctorate of Law, Panthéon-Assas University; agrégé of the Faculties of Law and Economics, Public Law and Political Science section, Paris. He served as Vice President of the ICJ from 2003 until 2006 and has been a Member of the Court since 1991, having won reelection in 2000. Prior to his election to the Court, he was a Professor of Law at the University of Madagascar from 1981 to 1991, the same university he earned a B.A. from in 1965. In addition, he served as a Lecturer at the Hague Academy of International Law in 1987 and 1997.
Jérôme Rakotomalala
Man
Jérôme Louis Rakotomalala was a Malagasy Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of Tananarive from 1960 until his death, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1969.
Jean Lahiniriko
Politician
Jean Lahiniriko is a Malagasy politician. He served in the government of Madagascar as Minister of Public Works from 2002 to 2003 and was President of the National Assembly of Madagascar from 2003 to 2006. Subsequently he was the second place candidate in the 2006 presidential election. He is now the President of the Socialist and Democratic Party for the Unity of Madagascar and a member of the High Transitional Authority under President Andry Rajoelina. Lahiniriko was born in Tongobory, Atsimo-Andrefana in the south of Madagascar and studied at the Lycée de génie civil d'Ampefoloha à Antananarivo. In the late 1970s, he moved to undertake further studies in civil engineering in Cuba. After working on various civil engineering projects, in 1985, he became the director of Zanatany, then from 1989 until 2003 he held various prominent civil service posts. Under President Marc Ravalomanana, Lahiniriko was appointed as the Minister of Public Works in Prime Minister Jacques Sylla's first government, named on March 1, 2002, remaining in that position until January 2003. He was elected to the National Assembly in the December 2002 parliamentary election from the Betioky Sud district in Toliara Province under the banner of the Tiako I Madagasikara party, receiving 56% of the vote in his district. On January 21, 2003, he was elected as President of the National Assembly, receiving 113 out of 146 votes.
Régis Gizavo
Musical Artist
Régis Gizavo is a Malagasy accordionist. He was born in Tulear, Madagascar and began playing the accordion at a young age. In 1990 he won the Radio France Internationale "Prix découvertes". In addition to two solo albums, Régis Gizavo has been a member of the Corsican group I Muvrini, and contributed to a range of recordings, including albums by the Cape Verdean singers Cesária Évora and Lura. Gizavo partnered with Louis Mhlanga and David Mirandon to record Stories, 2006 winner of KAOS's Spin The Globe award. He later partnered with four other musicians from Madagascar to record an album together as the Madagascar All Stars.
Madagascar Slim
Musical Artist
Randriamananjara Radofa Besata Jean Longin is a Canadian-Malagasy folk and blues guitarist, who records and performs under the stage name Madagascar Slim. He is a member of the folk music band Tri-Continental and the world music group African Guitar Summit, as well as a solo artist and a regular collaborator with blues singer Ndidi Onukwulu. He moved to Canada in 1979 to study English and accounting at Seneca College, pursuing music with the folk group La Ridaine while studying. He has cited Jimi Hendrix and B. B. King as the two primary influences on his choice to become a guitarist. He is a three time Juno Award winner, having won World Music Album of the Year in 2000 for his solo album Omnisource and in 2005 with African Guitar Summit, and Roots & Traditional Album of the Year in 2001 with Tri-Continental.
Gilbert Annette
Man
Gilbert Annette is a Madagascar politician. He represented Réunion in the French National Assembly from 1993-1997 and has been the Mayor of Saint-Denis, Réunion since 2008.
Jean-Luc Raharimanana
Author
Jean-Luc Raharimanana is a Malagasy writer in French. He wrote his first book in his native country, but he was unable to publish it because of the political situation. He went to France to study ethnolinguistics. He has been a teacher, a journalist and the writer of several books, which have been translated into German, English, Italian and Spanish. He describes the situation of poverty and corruption and the history in his homeland in a violent and lyrical style.
Loumia Hiridjee
Woman
Loumia Hiridjee was a French businesswoman and co-founder of international lingerie brand Princesse Tam Tam. Hiridjee was born in Antananarivo, Madagascar, where she grew up in a family of wealthy Indian traders. In 1972 she joined her sister Sharma at a boarding school in France. In 1985 together they founded the Princesse Tam Tam brand. Hiridjee and her husband Mourad Amarsy were dining at the Oberoi Trident hotel in Mumbai, when they were shot and killed by armed attackers during the November 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.
Faed Arsène
Soccer Forward
Faed Arsène is a Malagasy international footballer who plays in Belgium for Royal Mouscron-Péruwelz, as a striker.
Mamisoa Razafindrakoto
Footballer
Mamisoa Razafindrakoto is a Malagasy footballer currently plays for USCA Foot. He is known for letting in 149 own goals as a protest to the referee.
Jean-Louis Ravelomanantsoa
Olympic athlete
Jean-Louis Ravelomanantsoa is a retired Malagasy athlete who specialized in the 100 metres. At the 1964 Summer Olympics he was eliminated in the heats in both 100 and 200 metres. At the 1968 Summer Olympics he was again eliminated in the heats of the 200 m, but reached the 100 metres final and placed eighth. At these Games he also set his career best time of 10.18 seconds in a tail wind of 2.0 m/s. This is the current Malagasy record. At the 1972 Summer Olympics he reached the semi-final of the 100 metres and was eliminated in the heats with the Madagascar 4 x 100 metres relay team. In 1975 he became the first of only two men to date to have won the Stawell Gift, Australia's most prestigious professional foot race, off the scratch mark. The race is run over 120 metres, but entrants are handicapped according to their competitive form, and most start at a mark a few metres ahead of the start line.
Fetra Ratsimiziva
Olympic Judo Athlete
Fetra Ratsimiziva (born in Antananarivo on 5 August 1991) is a judoka set to represent Madagascar at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He is one of three sportspeople on the team to qualify for the Olympics rather than win a wild-card spot.
Nathalia Rakotondramanana
Weightlifter
Harinelina Nathalia Rakotondramanana is a female weightlifter set to represent Madagascar at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She is one of three sportspeople on the team to qualify for the Olympics rather than win a wild-card spot. She is also only the second Olympic weightlifter to represent her country. She ultimately finished last of those that finished as she fell on a lift.
Eugène Mangalaza
Politician
Eugène Régis Mangalaza is a Malagasy political figure who was appointed as Prime Minister of Madagascar on 10 October 2009 under the terms of an agreement intended to resolve the 2009 political crisis.
Rossy
Musical Artist
Rossy, born Paul Bert Rahasimanana, is a singer and songwriter from Madagascar generally considered the most popular Malagasy artist of the 1990s. Beginning his musical career as an accordionist and singer within a traditional hira gasy musical troupe, Rossy innovated a fusion of hira gasy instrumentation and vocal style with contemporary rock, funk and folk sounds to create a uniquely Malagasy genre of contemporary popular music. Rossy actively promoted former president Didier Ratsiraka through concert performances throughout his presidency and served within the Ministry of Culture to promote artists' rights and copyright law. When Ratsiraka fell into disfavor following the contentious 2001 Malagasy presidential elections, Rossy went into self-imposed exile in France. He returned to the island to give concerts beginning in 2008 and enjoyed enormous popularity despite six years of absence, setting an unbroken record of 35,000 tickets sold for a performance given that year. His compositions and style are frequently associated with the Ratsiraka socialist period and commonly evoke a sense of nostalgia among Malagasy fans.
Pascal Rakotomavo
Politician
Pascal Joseph Rakotomavo was a Malagasy politician. He was the Prime Minister of Madagascar from 21 February 1997 to 23 July 1998. Born at Antananarivo, Rakotomavo was Minister of Finance and the Economy from 1982 to 1989 and Special Adviser to President Didier Ratsiraka from 1989 to 1993. His appointment as Prime Minister in February 1997, following Ratsiraka's return to the presidency, was considered surprising. Rakotomavo served as Governor of Antananarivo Province from June 2001 to 2002. He was also Ratsiraka's campaign director in the December 2001 presidential election, but in the political crisis that followed between Ratsiraka and opposition candidate Marc Ravalomanana, as governor he adopted what has been described as a neutral position. On 28 February 2002, Ratsiraka appointed General Léon-Claude Raveloarison as military governor of Antananarivo Province under martial law. Rakotomavo was the only one of the six provincial governors to not sign a declaration that Toamasina, Ratsiraka's stronghold during the 2002 political crisis, was the nation's provisional capital. After Ravalomanana prevailed in the dispute, Rakotomavo, unlike the governors of the other provinces, was not prosecuted.
Manandafy Rakotonirina
Politician
Manandafy Rakotonirina is a Malagasy politician. He has been a significant political figure in Madagascar since the 1970s, and in April 2009 he was appointed as Prime Minister by ousted President Marc Ravalomanana.
Abdoulatifou Aly
Politician
Abdoulatifou Aly is a member of the National Assembly of France and represents the island of Mayotte. He is a member of the Democratic Movement nationally, but is a member of the Mahoran Departmentalist Movement in Mayotte. Aly campaigned strongly for the "Yes" result in the 2009 Mahoran status referendum, arguing that Mayotte and its citizens are an integral part of France: "We may be black, poor and Muslim, but we have been French longer than Nice." The victory of the "Yes" vote ensures that Mayotte will become a full French department in 2011.
Praxis Rabemananjara
Soccer Forward
Stéphane Praxis Rabemananjara is a Malagasy football striker currently playing for Saint-Denis FC fr:Saint-Denis FC. He is a member of the Madagascar national football team.
Pety Rakotoniaina
Politician
Pety Rakotoniaina is a Malagasy politician. He is the President of the Union association and the Mayor of Fianarantsoa. Born in Ikalamavony, Rakotoniaina studied at the University of Fianarantsoa Madagascar. In 1993, he was elected to the National Assembly as a Deputy of the Militants for the Progress of Madagascar for the Ikalamavony district, winning 57% of the vote. He was re-elected with 83% of the vote in 1998. In March 2002, during the conflicts following the December 2001 presidential election, Rakotoniaina was named President of the Special Delegation of Fianarantsoa Province by Marc Ravalomanana. In April, forces supporting Didier Ratsiraka left the region's capital, and Rakotoniaina was able to take office. In May 2002, he founded the Union political association. Ravalomanana dismissed Rakotoniaina from his position on January 27, 2003, and replaced him with Ravelomanga Randrianarivo. Rakotoniaina attempted to hold on to power for several days, without success; objecting to his dismissal, he said: "No one, at any level of this regime, can claim to have done more for President Ravalomanana than I have." His wife was reportedly ambushed, along with other passengers in a vehicle, by gunmen in Isorana on May 31, 2003.
Guy Hubert
Football player
Guy Hubert Mamihasindrahona is a Malagasy footballer, who currently plays for Sisaket FC.
Ratsimilaho
Deceased Person
Ratsimilaho was a ruler of an east coastal region of Madagascar. He is said to be the son of an English pirate and a Malagasy queen, Antavaratra Rahena. The region, known as the Betsimisaraka confederation covered 400 miles of coast and this legacy was created by Ratsimilaho. The Betsimisaraka make up approximately fifteen percent of the Malagasy people and are the second largest group in Madagascar after the Merina.
Pierre Albuisson
Man
Pierre Albuisson is a French postage stamp engraver and designer.
Armand Razafindratandra
Man
Armand Gaétan Razafindratandra was a Cardinal Priest of the Roman Catholic Church and Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Antananarivo, Madagascar. Born in Ambohimalaza, near Antananarivo, where his grandfather had been governor, Razafindratandra was educated at the parish school of Faravohitra. He went on to study at the minor seminary of Ambohipo and then at St. Michael's College, a Jesuit institution, before studying philosophy and theology at Ambatoroka. Razafindratandra was ordained as a priest in 1954, after which he studied at the Catholic Institute in Paris for two years. Returning to Madagascar in 1956, he directed catechetical teaching and spiritual programs for public and private schools, working extensively with youth summer camp programs for children from needy families. He also rose to become Rector of the minor seminary at Faliarivo and the Director of the major seminary at Ambatoroka. Appointed Bishop of the Roman Catholic of Mahajanga in 1978 and named Archbishop of the Antananarivo Archdiocese in 1994, Razafindratandra was proclaimed Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in the consistory of 26 November 1994, and became the Cardinal Priest of the Titulus Ss. Silvestri et Martini in Montibus.
Jean Ralaimongo
Man
Jean Ralaimongo was a teacher who came to prominence after campaigning to get the French government to give citizenship to the people of Madagascar. Ralaimongo wanted Madagascar to become a French département and therefore part of France. He came to prominence after 3,000 demonstrated following speeches in a cinema in 1929.
Dimitri Carlos Zozimar
Football player
Dimitri Carlos Zozimar or simply Carlos is a Malagasy footballer. He currently plays in the Thailand Division 1 League with Suphanburi F.C.. Previously, he played in the Championnat de France amateur for SO Romorantin, with his national teammate Claudio Ramiadamanana. He has also previously played for AA Antsirabe.
Elia Ravelomanantsoa
Politician
Elia Ravelomanantsoa is a Malagasy politician and the director of Synergy-FCB. Born in Antananarivo, Ravelomanantsoa set herself up in business at the age of seventeen. She founded the Manja festival of fashion in 1986. From 1990 until 1993, she was on the Committee of the Group of Reflection and Action for the Development of Madagascar. In 1996, she founded Democratic Participation for Economic and Social Redress in Madagascar. This had limited success, winning the commune of Moramanga. In 2004, Ravelomanantsoa was appointed Chair of the Global Congress of Black Women. She is currently president of Femmes entrepreneurs de Madagascar. She is also the vice-president of the French Carrefour des entrepreneurs. In 2006, Ravelomanantsoa became the first ever woman to stand to be President of Madagascar, when she took part in the presidential election held in December of that year. She took seventh place with 2.56% of the vote.
Cécile Manorohanta
Politician
Cécile Manorohanta is a Malagasy politician, currently serving in the government of Madagascar as Deputy Prime Minister for the Interior. Previously she was Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2009. Manorohanta was appointed as Defense Minister on 27 October 2007 in the government of Prime Minister Charles Rabemananjara. She was the first female defense minister in her country. On 9 February 2009, Manorohanta announced her resignation, saying that "after all that has happened, I decide as of now to no longer remain part of this government," referring to the shooting on 7 February, during the 2009 Malagasy protests, in which police shot dead at least 50 protesters. Chief of military staff Mamy Ranaivoniarivo was appointed to replace Manorohanta on the same day. Under Transitional President Andry Rajoelina, Manorohanta was reappointed to the government as Deputy Prime Minister for the Interior on 8 September 2009. On 18 December 2009, Rajoelina dismissed Prime Minister Eugene Mangalaza, whose appointment had been endorsed by opposition factions as part of a power-sharing agreement, and stated he would appoint Manorohanta in his place. However, on 20 December 2009 Rajoelina instead appointed Albert Camille Vital as Prime Minister.
Yvan Rajoarimanana
Footballer
Yvan Rajoarimanana Avotriniaina is a Malagasy footballer who currently plays CNaPS Sport.
Falimery Ramanamahefa
Soccer Midfielder
Falimery Ramanamahefa is a Malagasy footballer who plays for Tana FC Formation and the Madagascar national team.
Jean-Chrysostome Raharison
Footballer
Jean-Chrysostome Raharison, commonly referred to as Bota, is a Madagascar international footballer who plays for SS Saint-Louisienne, as a goalkeeper.
Rajemison Rakotomaharo
Man
Guy Rajemison Rakotomaharo is a Malagasy politician who has been Vice-President of Madagascar since September 2008. Previously he was President of the Senate of Madagascar from 2002 to 2008 and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva from 2008 to 2009. Rakotomaharo, a Merina, was born in Andilamena. From 1973 to 1990, he was an advisor to the Director-General of the Maritime Auxiliary of Madagascar; subsequently, from 1990 to 1992 he was director of an Auximad agency and then administrative and financial director of a French company. He was Professor of Economics and Management at the University of Antananarivo, as well as at the Higher Institute of Business and Management Communication, from 1992 to 1996, and he held important positions at TIKO, Marc Ravalomanana's dairy company, from 1996 to 1999. Ravalomanana was elected as Mayor of Antananarivo in November 1999, and Rakotomaharo, who supported him, was elected as a municipal councillor from the Second Arrondissement of Antananarivo. Under Ravalomanana, he was appointed as Deputy Mayor of Antananarivo in February 2000. In the December 2001 presidential election, Rakotomaharo was Ravalomanana's campaign director. After the election, Ravalomanana declared victory and took office as President under controversial circumstances, and Rakotomaharo served as Interim Mayor of Antananarivo in 2002. He was chosen as a member of the national political bureau of the Tiako i Madagasikara ruling party in mid-2002. He was also appointed by Ravalomanana as a Senator, and on July 24, 2002 he was elected as President of the Senate.
Sedera Randriamparany
Soccer Defender
Sedera Mathieu Randriamparany is a Malagasy footballer. He currently plays for Ajesaia.
Gervais Randrianarisoa
Soccer Defender
Mamy Gervais Randrianarisoa is a Malagasy footballer playing for Aj Petite-Ile.
Carolus Andriamatsinoro
Soccer Forward
Carolus Andriamatsinoro, known simply as Carolus, is a Malagasy football player. He is currently playing for USM Alger in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1.
Odon Marie Arsène Razanakolona
Man
Odon Marie Arsène Razanakolona is the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Antananarivo in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Tojohanitra Andriamanjatoarimanana
Athlete
Tojohanitra Tokin'aina Andriamanjatoarimanana is an Olympic swimmer from Madagascar. She swam for Madagascar at the 2004 and the 2008 Olympics. Due to the length of her name, it has been truncated or spelled differently at various events. For example: ⁕at the 2007 World Championships, her name appeared as "T. Andriamanjatoprimamama" in the heat sheets. Note the spelling differences in the last name. ⁕sportsreference.com has her listed under both "Tojohanitra Andriamanja" and "Aina Andriamanjatoarimanana"; the former matching her entry in the 2008 Olympics, the latter the 2004 Olympics. She also swam for Madagascar at the 2003 World Championships and the 2007 Indian Ocean Games.
Ibrahim Amada
Soccer Defender
Ibrahim Samuel Amada is a Malagasy football player. He currently plays for USM El Harrach in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1.
Lego
Musician
Lego is a Sakalava musician who performs accordion music in the traditional style of the coastal regions of Madagascar. In addition to his acclaim as a musician, Lego is also known for having lost his sight as a child, and for being the half-brother of Malagasy superstar Rossy. Lego has released numerous albums and has toured regularly on the international world music circuit.
Pascal Razakanantenaina
Soccer Defender
Pascal Razakanantenaina is a Malagasy footballer currently plays for Calais RUFC of France.
Alain Rakotondramanana
Football player
Alain Rakotondramanana is a Malagasy footballer currently plays for USCA Foot.
Eliane Saholinirina
Olympic Track and field Athlete
Marie Eliane Saholinirina is an athlete set to compete for Madagascar at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the 1500m.
Jimmy Radafison
Soccer Defender
Jimmy Radafison is a Malagasy footballer currently plays for Saint Louis Suns United.