Raymond Razafimbahiny (1919–1963) better known as R.R. Majunga was an artist known beyond the borders of his native Madagascar. Among the premier, if not the leading bilingual (French/Malagasy) composers and pianist of his era, he was also a poet and classically trained-violinist and self-taught pianist. R.R. Majunga's life story and development as a composer are closely intertwined with Madagascar's birth as a nation: the colonial period, the rebellion against French rule, the attainment of independence, and the first years of independence. He lost his father who was tortured, shot and finally buried in a common grave by the French colonial government for his part in the resistance movement. At the time of his father's death Raymond Razafimbahiny found himself as a young adult in charge of his family and numerous younger brothers and sisters as he made his way to the town that he saw holding great promise: Majunga. Majunga is considered by many to be the heart of Madagascar. Complicating his life story is the time spent fighting on behalf of France in the Indochina War and in Algeria. The 1950s ambiance of Majunga, a time of both heightened patriotism, and family responsibility combined to have a great influence on the composer. He married his childhood sweetheart Jeanne Ralinoro (1925–1991) who became the mother of his four children. He died at the age of 42 from a heart attack. Musician The music of R.R Majunga was at its popularity in the 1950s and early 1960s. He composed numerous songs in the kalon' ny fahiny hira tranaina traditional Malagasy piano music style and the popular hiragasy style. He also mixed in other styles of music that were popular in the French colonies at the time such as the cha cha cha, mambo and jazz as can be heard by his use of the so-called "blue note of jazz." Songs like Malagasy Anie Ianao, Ny Fytia and Fantenana are considered Malagasy classics. Malagasy Anie Ianao with its focus on Malagasy pride is considered an unofficial anthem in Madagascar. Veloma Dada Havoka was written as a tribute to his father who never received a proper burial. He also wrote about hope (Fanantenana) and of course the notorious joie de vivre of his adopted hometown Majunga. His wife was a constant inspiration as she is the subject of his compositions like Tsiambaratelo, Fitia, Tsy Anjara. He also wrote about their separation during the