About


The purpose of Elephant Bird is to empower the Malagasy people to reach their full potential and become responsible citizens.


We seek to provide a human platform of inspired people willing to work, collaborate and reflect together on projects susceptible to bring  ongoing change and progress in all areas in Madagascar, in particular in the areas of culture preservation, education and elevation of Malagasy individuals and society. 


We define 'Progress' as the ongoing self-transformation of the Malagasy individual and the society towards more understanding of others and the world, respect of others and the environment, more self-awareness and a powerful will to make Madagascar a better place.


Kilovia School Project


Madagascar is a country, rich in natural resources and mystical beauty. Referred to as the Red Island, it bleeds of poverty. Yet, the people grow happily, enriched by Love.

Kilovia Sekoly - is a primary school located on the bank of the Manandriana River, in the province of Fianarantsoa in Madagascar. This school was created 15 years ago in order to provide basic education to the children living within the 5-10 kilometre radius. These are the children of local farmers who work the land and breed animals for their personal consumption. Many of these children  (ages 4 to 12) walk up to 2 hours a day and walk through the river to attend class.
Over the next few years, we have committed to providing basic school supplies to all of the children, as well as making significant improvements to the schools infrastructure.
 
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Donné Roberts


ARTIST DESCRIPTION |


There is never a dull moment working with Donné Roberts, said Julian. He’s a melting pot of ideas, rhythm and influences. He’s very gifted; always re-inventing himself. Give him any good, funky groove and he’s there. Once he latches on to it, he’s tighter than a bull’s ass in fly time. He can go on for hours. You hear in Donne’s solos the progression, the building of tension, the climax, all the elements of a good story. He’s capable of inventing music on the spot that sounds like he’s been laboring on for years. He can catch any groove and make something new out of it You never get any tired, hackneyed riffs with Donné. He always brings something fresh, something different.

 

BIO |


- Juno Award Winner 2005

- Juno Award Nominee 2007

- Member of African Guitar Summit

  1. -Singer songwriter and guitarist


His full name Dieudonné Roberts means God given and Roberts natural talents are obviously that to anyone who hears him play. Successfully released an album “Rhythm Was Born” in 2006. His gifts have been shaped by an eclectic and courageous set of life experiences. He was born on the legendary island of Madagascar and moved with his diplomat parents to Russia at age 7 where he would live for the next two decades In 1997 Roberts produced Mama Africa, one of the largest and most important African festivals in the history of Russian culture The following year, he became the first African to host a show on MTV Russia the hour-long program Mambassa. Also in 1998 he was chosen to organize backup vocalists for a tour with Swedish pop legends Ace of Base.


In 1999 this most cosmopolitan of artists came to call Canada home. He quickly established a reputation in Toronto’s thriving world-music community. In 2003 he was invited to be part of African Guitar Summit conceived by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation producer Todd Fraracci African Guitar Summit would go on to win the 2004 Juno Award Canada’s highest distinction for Best World Music Album; and the band received the honour of performing at the Live 8 concert at Park Place in Barrie Ontario. African Guitar Summit II was released to critical acclaim in September of 2006 Amongst this supremely-talented collective, it is Roberts who is seen by many knowledgeable listeners as having the greatest potential appeal amongst the widest range of audiences, outside the African and world-music scenes.

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