Valiha

[2] The instrument has been held in high regard among the Malagasy particularly in the Merina rule over the island that having long fingernails ideal for plucking its strings were marks "distinguishing the aristocracy from the labourers".

[5] It is commonly believed in Madagascar that the valiha is "inherited from King David", as part of a larger origin myth of Jewish provenance of Malagasy people.

Historically these were formed of strips of the bamboo body,[3] prised up and raised by small calabash or wooden bridges that also act as movable tuners, but in the modern day the strings are often made of unwound bicycle brake cable tied through nails,[4] though serious players may use standard guitar or piano strings[8] used for churches and folk bands.

A variant instrument, the marovany, is similar in concept but boxlike rather than tubular, and made of wood or sheet metal.

[9] The majority of Rakotozafy's few recorded performances were made live at the central studio of Malagasy Radio.