What is "razia"

Razia (born December 1, 1959, Antalaha, Madagascar) Razia Said, is a singer-songwriter from a small town in Madagascar has been on a long journey to craft her sound. The artist, who records for world music label Cumbancha, is an activist and a musician on a journey. Razia's music draws on her African influences; such as, Fela and Papa Wemba, while incorporating R&B and Jazz, which she found upon moving to New York City in 1987. Razia is a nomad, spending time in Africa, France, Italy, Ibiza, Bali and New York City. Before recording Zebu Nation, Razia recorded her earlier material upon moving to NYC. Despite the excitement of fixing her work to a disc, Razia was not totally satisfied. After many trips back to her home country of Madagascar, Razia had the opportunity to meet with one of the country's most prominent acts, Njava. Razia's time with the band inspired her to write and record songs in the Malagasy language, while incorporating many of the familiar sounds and melodies with which she grew up. Much of Razia's musical focus is aimed towards the protection and preservation of the environment, namely that of her homeland. Razia is an activist fighting illegal logging in Madagascar.