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With a unique blend of African and Asian cultures, Madagascar has historically served as a melting pot of different populations from around the world - including the French, who colonised the island nation for over six decades. Coming out of those years into the era of independence, there was one man who sought to document and celebrate Malagasy life through photos.

Emile Rakotondrazaka, known as Ramily and regarded as the grandfather of Malagasy photography, passed away in 2017. Now a new exhibition at the Hakanto Contemporary art space in Antananarivo, showcases his work in never-before-seen portraits of ordinary people and everyday life. Journalist Jim Stenman visited the gallery and spoke to curator Jo毛l Andrianomearisoa.

(One of Ramily's portraits. Credit: Ramily)