TWASblog – All Eyes on Culture!

Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Ave., Toronto, Mar. 22 – 23, 2024,

by Lise Watson

Kiyoshi Nagata and Donné Roberts have been essential members of Toronto’s music scene for decades, each a notable musician in their own right. Their first collaboration, From Japan to Madagascar, was a feast for the senses, long overdue. Kiyoshi started Nagata Shachu in 1998, leading the way for homegrown taiko drumming in the city and across the country. Donné is a celebrated songwriter and musician whose upbeat music inspires smiles and dance in his diverse audiences around the world. He is the recipient of two JUNO awards and an additional three JUNO nominations. His song Wenge Yongo is a finalist in the 2024 International Songwriting Competition.

Opening up was Aki Takahashi, a performer in Canada for over twenty years, and her group Ten Ten Music Ensemble, who gave a splendid performance of Japanese folk music. Not only were the music and singing exquisite, but Aki’s fascinating commentary was a bonus. She spoke about songs that were sung while people laboured on the water, in the fields and beyond. Of particular interest was Aki’s story about her time as a textile weaver in Japan. She showed a piece of this kind of textile, and introduced the audience to the masu cup, a square cup that was traditionally used to scoop rice.

The second set featured the Donné Roberts Band and Nagata Shachu. Originally from the island nation of Madagascar, Donné brought his unique Malagasy melodies and rhythms to a brand-new audience. Some of his most memorable songs including Malembo and Ariengue, pulsated in a fresh and delicious way with the thunderous taiko drums of Nagata Shachu. A familiar piece by Kiyoshi Nagata, Furyu, brought back memories of Nagata Shachu’s performances gone by, this time with a new twist. Yukiko Tsutsui’s Inori complemented the night beautifully. Yukiko is a member of the Donné Roberts Band who infuses their music with her delicate Japanese sensibilities on a regular basis. The other outstanding performers at From Japan to Madagascar were Heidi Chan, Kevin Zi-Xiao He, Ken Yoshioka, Shinya Sato, Brian Kobayakawa, Andrew Siu, Atsushi Kato, Larry Graves, and Chris Adriaanse.

This unique combination of sounds is worthy of a recording. Indeed, From Japan to Madagascar reaffirms Toronto and Canada’s positions as leaders in musical innovation. It’s imperative that we continue to support our local artists.

Photo: David Ohashi

Photo: David Ohashi

Photo: David Ohashi

Photo: David Ohashi