The music from Madagascar like the culture and the people, has got influences from a lot of countries around (Mauritius, Mozambic, Reunion island, and South Africa) and far (South asian and France).In general, more rhythmic songs are found on the coast, while songs from the inland are slower and more for relaxing. Nowadays, musics are played with sophisticated modern instruments but specificity is normally added using tradicional ones.
Phillip Lewis
http://www.virtualjungle.net