Madagascar made a highly successful debut at Intervision 2025 with the dynamic duo Denise & D-Lain. Representing the nation with a powerful blend of traditional rhythms and contemporary pop, they earned a highly respectable Top 10 finish, bringing Malagasy music to a global audience.
The Road to Intervision: A Fusion of Island Star Power
The selection of Denise & D-Lain by the national broadcaster Real TV Madagascar was a strategic choice, uniting two highly accomplished artists: D-Lain is an acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and winner of the African TV show Castel Live Opera. He is an artist signed with Universal Music France, giving him significant international backing. Denise is a popular star in Madagascar and the winner of the Island Africa Talent competition. Her work is celebrated for acting as a "bridge between tradition and modernity," and she is also a co-organizer of the large-scale Makua Festival. Their partnership, which evolved from a long-standing friendship, was chosen to declare that "Madagascar is ready to amaze the world" with its unique "Afro-Island Fusion" sound.
The Contest Performance and Theme
Denise & D-Lain performed their original lyrical composition, "Tiako Hanjeky" (Malagasy for "I Want It To Happen"). The contest song “Tiako Hanjeky” is a lyrical composition expressing the heartfelt wish for two lovers to live their affection "even better and deeper than before." The artists hoped their music would inspire people to "live life to the fullest and become stronger despite any trials." Denise noted that they were relieved to draw number thirteen for their performance slot, feeling it was strategically advantageous to be in the middle of the show. Their performance featured warm island harmonies, traditional rhythms, and contemporary melodies, delivering a message of partnership, hope, and love.
Contest Result and Life After Intervision
The duo achieved a strong Top 10 finish in the highly competitive final, securing a major victory for Madagascar in its debut year. Following their impressive 8th-place finish at Intervision 2025, Denise & D-Lain's international profile was significantly boosted. They successfully positioned their genre, Malagasy Pop/Afro-Island Fusion, for a wider global audience. They immediately capitalized on the visibility by returning to their work developing the Malagasy music scene, including continuing their involvement with the Makua Festival. Their success cemented their status as pioneers for Malagasy artists seeking international recognition.
0 Comments