6 - Musicians and Naval Ambitions

Summary

This chapter examines the history, following their return from overseas, of the Madagascar Youths sent to Mauritius to learn European music and those who served apprenticeships aboard British naval vessels. It surveys the history of traditional Malagasy music and, in that context, explores the role of the returning musicians at court. It also examines the history of the naval apprentice returnees in military and ‘naval’ duties, as well as – alongside other Madagascar Youths – in diplomatic roles, as representatives of the Merina crown in its relations with foreign powers.