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Top 10 Celebrities Embracing Merina Roots

5 min read January 23, 2024

Merina, also known as Antananarivo, is an ethnic group native to the central highlands of Madagascar. Merina people have made significant contributions to Madagascar’s history, culture, and politics. Here are 10 popular celebrities and notable people from the Merina ethnicity:

  • Didier Ratsiraka: Served as President of Madagascar from 1975 to 1993 and again from 1997 to 2002. He played a key role in the country’s transition to democracy and economic reforms.
  • Marc Ravalomanana: Served as President of Madagascar from 2002 to 2009. He implemented economic reforms, improved infrastructure, and promoted tourism. However, his rule was marked by political unrest and he was eventually overthrown in a coup.
  • Andry Rajoelina: Served as President of Madagascar from 2009 to 2014 and again from 2019 to present. He has focused on infrastructure development and economic reforms. Rajoelina is also a successful businessman and former DJ.
  • Albert Zafy: Served as President of Madagascar from 1993 to 1996. He was a medical doctor and politician who played a key role in the country’s democratic transition. However, his term was marked by political instability and economic difficulties.
  • Philibert Tsiranana: Served as President of Madagascar from 1960 to 1972. He was the country’s first President after independence from France and played a significant role in shaping Madagascar’s foreign policy.
  • Jacques Rabemananjara: Renowned poet and writer who served as Madagascar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1972 to 1975. He is considered one of the most important figures in Malagasy literature and his works have been translated into several languages.
  • Robert Razaka: Internationally recognized sculptor and painter. His works are displayed in museums and galleries around the world and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to art.
  • Tarika Ramampiandrasoa: Popular singer and songwriter who has released several albums and toured internationally. He is known for his unique style of music that blends traditional Malagasy rhythms with modern sounds.
  • Hanitra Rakotovao: Former professional basketball player who represented Madagascar at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. She is also a successful model and has been featured in magazines and fashion shows.
  • Davy Rakotonanahary: Professional basketball player who plays for the national team of Madagascar and the French club JDA Dijon Basket. He is known for his athleticism and defensive skills.
Andriana was both the noble class and a title of nobility in Madagascar. Historically, many Malagasy ethnic groups lived in highly stratified caste-based social orders in which the andriana were the highest strata. They were above the Hova (free commoner castes) and Andevo (slaves). The Andriana and the Hova were a part of Fotsy, while the Andevo were Mainty in local terminology.The Andriana strata originally constituted the Merina society's nobility, warrior, and land-owning class. They were endogamous, and their privileges were institutionally preserved. While the term and concept of Andriana is studied with the Merina people of Madagascar, the term is not limited to them. The use of the word "Andriana" to denote nobility occurs among numerous other Malagasy ethnic groups such as the Betsileo, the Betsimisaraka, the Tsimihety, the Bezanozano, the Antambahoaka, and the Antemoro. Andriana often traditionally formed part of the names of Malagasy kings, princes, and nobles. Linguistic evidence suggests its origin is traceable back to an ancient Javanese nobility title, although alternate theories have been proposed.

Most Famous Merina People

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Merina Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Merina community is a prominent ethnic group in Madagascar, known for their rich cultural heritage and history. Originating from the central highlands of the island, the Merina people have played a significant role in shaping the nation’s traditions and customs. In this article, we will explore three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Merina heritage.

1. The Merina Kingdom

One of the most notable historical inheritances of the Merina community is the establishment of the Merina Kingdom. In the early 17th century, King Andrianjaka united the various Merina clans to form a powerful centralized state. Under the leadership of subsequent monarchs, such as King Radama I and Queen Ranavalona I, the Merina Kingdom expanded its influence and dominated much of Madagascar. The kingdom’s legacy is evident in the architectural marvels, such as the Rova of Antananarivo, which served as the royal palace.

2. The Malagasy Language

The Merina people have greatly influenced the development and standardization of the Malagasy language. As the ruling class of the Merina Kingdom, their dialect became the basis for the official language. The language is of Austronesian origin, with influences from Bantu, Arabic, and French. Today, Malagasy is spoken by the majority of the population in Madagascar and is a symbol of national identity. Its unique mix of vocabulary and grammar sets it apart from other African languages.

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3. The Famadihana Tradition

Famadihana, which means “the turning of the bones,” is a unique cultural practice among the Merina people. This tradition involves the exhumation of ancestral remains from family tombs for a festive celebration. The bones are wrapped in fresh silk shrouds, and the entire community gathers to dance, sing, and pay respects to their ancestors. Famadihana is seen as a way to maintain a connection with the deceased and strengthen family bonds. It is a powerful testament to the Merina people’s deep respect for their ancestry.

Conclusion

The Merina community has left a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of Madagascar. From the establishment of the Merina Kingdom to the development of the Malagasy language, and the unique Famadihana tradition, their contributions have shaped the identity of the nation. By preserving and celebrating these historical inheritances, the Merina people continue to pass down their rich traditions to future generations.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Malayo Indonesian, Luxembourger and Liechtensteiner roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

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Factsheet About Merina People

Region Demographics Distribution
Population Language Religion % in Region % in Country
Antananarivo 2,609,000 Malagasy Christianity 90% 41%
Moramanga 229,900 Malagasy Christianity 5% 2%
Antsirabe 238,478 Malagasy Christianity 3% 1%
Fianarantsoa 222,854 Malagasy Christianity 2% 1%
Other Regions 1,323,768 Malagasy Christianity 0% 0%
The Merina people (also known as the Imerina, Antimerina, or Hova) are the largest ethnic group in Madagascar. They are the "highlander" Malagasy ethnic group of the African island and one of the country's eighteen official ethnic groups. Their origins are mixed, predominantly with Austronesians arriving before the 5th century AD, then many centuries later with mostly Bantu Africans, but also some other ethnic groups. They speak the Merina dialect of the official Malagasy language of Madagascar.The Merina people are most found in the center of the island (former Antananarivo Province). Beginning in the late 18th century, Merina sovereigns expanded the political region under their control from their interior capital outwards into the island, with their king Radama I ultimately helping unite the island under their rule. The French fought two wars with the Merina people in 1883–1885 and in 1895, colonized Madagascar in 1895–96 and abolished the Merina monarchy in 1897.They built innovative and elaborate irrigation infrastructure and highly productive rice farms in high plateaus of Madagascar by the 18th century. The Merina people were socially stratified with hierarchical castes, inherited occupations and endogamy, and one or two of the major and long serving monarchs of the Merina people were queens.

The Ancient Heritage of Merina Ethnic Groups

Merina Ethnicity: References and Resources

For those interested in learning more about the Merina ethnic group, there are various references and resources available that provide valuable information about their history, culture, and traditions. Here are a few notable references to dig deeper:

  • Books:
    • “The Merina: A History of Madagascar’s Hidden People” by Maurice Bloch
    • “Madagascar: A Short History” by Solofo Randrianja and Stephen Ellis
    • “The Merina Kingdom of Madagascar (Late 18th to Early 19th Century)” by François Bart
  • Academic Journals and Articles:
    • “An Ethnoarchaeological Study of a Merina Village: Inferences about Their Residential Strategies in the Madagascar Highlands” by Anne-Marie Hocquenghem
    • “Merina Food Symbolism and Their Daily Diet: The Case of Antananarivo, Madagascar” by Tsilavo Ralandison
    • “The Merina Kingdom (15th-19th Century AD) and the Genesis of the Malagasy Nation” by Joelisoa Andrianomearisoa
  • Documentaries and Films:
    • “Madagascar, a Sentimental Quest” – A documentary exploring the history and culture of the Merina people narrated by David Attenborough
    • “Tabataba” – A feature film portraying the life and struggles of a Merina woman during colonial times in Madagascar
  • Websites and Online Resources:

These references and resources offer a deeper understanding of the Merina ethnic group, allowing individuals to explore their rich cultural heritage, historical context, and societal traditions.

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Syarif Muhamad

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