Maloya (La Réunion)
Maloya is the traditional musical style of the island of La Réunion (Indian Ocean), of Malagasy and African origin. It is a melancholic music, played on the reca (drum) and flute, accompanied by expressive singing. Maloya stems from the traditions of maroon slaves and represents the memory of slavery.
The emblematic figures include Ti Frèr, Dekopa, and later Nao (who modernized the style). Maloya has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2018.
