Hip-Hop Works Madagascar
Hip Hop Works Madagascar (HHWM) is the Malagasy branch of the global non-profit organization Hip Hop Works, which promotes Hip-Hop culture as a powerful tool for youth development and social change. Founded by Richard D. Reeves and Raquel Delgado, the organization focuses on education, women's empowerment, mental health promotion, and the four fundamental elements of Hip-Hop culture: Rap (MCing), DJing, Breaking (B-boying), and Graffiti Art.
HHWM implements its mission through educational programs, workshops, and community initiatives that foster learning, cultural exchange, creativity, leadership, and youth empowerment.
The organization is led in Madagascar by Luis Herald Rasolondrainy, National Coordinator of Hip Hop Works Madagascar.
Dr. Richard D. Reeves
Raquel Delgado
Luis Herald Rasolondrainy
Why Mental Health?
Madagascar is silently facing a growing mental health crisis. Anxiety, depression, and many other mental health conditions affect the daily lives of millions of Malagasy people, yet these issues often remain misunderstood, stigmatized, and inadequately addressed.
Recognizing this urgent need, Hip Hop Works Madagascar (HHWM) is committed to developing a long-term mental health initiative in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the National Order of Psychologists of Madagascar. Through education, community engagement, and the positive influence of Hip-Hop culture, HHWM seeks to raise public awareness, reduce stigma, promote emotional well-being, and encourage open conversations about mental health. The organization believes that every individual deserves access to information, support, and a safe environment where mental health is recognized as an essential component of overall well-being.
016 PROJECT
Tagline :
“Tairo, alatsaho ny 16!”
“16 is the measure we take!”
National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Helpline in Madagascar
1. Context
In Madagascar, mental health issues remain largely unknown and insufficiently addressed. People experiencing psychological distress, depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts still face numerous barriers, including lack of information, very limited access to specialized care, stigma, and social isolation.
Data from the World Health Organization indicate an increase in suicide rates between 2017 and 2021, with a peak observed in 2020, highlighting the urgent need to establish accessible prevention mechanisms for everyone.
In response to this reality, Hip Hop Works Madagascar (HHWM) proposes the creation of the first National Green Line “016”, a free, confidential, and accessible service designed to provide immediate listening support, appropriate referrals, and assistance to people experiencing psychological distress.
2. Why “016”?
The number 016 is directly inspired by the cultural project “16 Mesures.” In Hip-Hop culture, 16 bars represent the time an artist is given to tell their story.
In the same way, 016 symbolizes:
a few minutes that can change a life;
a space where everyone can be heard without judgment;
a simple and easy-to-remember number;
an invitation to speak up before it is too late.
The project therefore builds a bridge between urban culture and public health, using the power of expression and community engagement to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
3. Vision
To make Madagascar a country where every person experiencing psychological distress can find compassionate listening, immediate support, and guidance toward appropriate resources.
4. Mission
To establish a national mental health listening, prevention, and referral service that is freely available to the entire population.
5. Objectives
General Objective :
To significantly reduce the number of suicides in Madagascar through a national listening and prevention system.
Specific Objectives :
Reduce suicide risks;
Promote mental health awareness;
Combat stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health disorders;
Provide free and confidential listening support;
Ensure rapid referral to qualified professionals;
Raise awareness among young people through music and Hip-Hop culture.
6. Services Offered
“016” Helpline
Free access;
Active listening support;
Confidential service.
7. The Role of “16 Mesures”
Starting on October 10, 2026, World Mental Health Day, we plan to organize the “16 Mesures” concert every year to commemorate this important date.
Beyond being a music event, this concert will become a major national mental health awareness campaign.
Through this initiative, “16 Mesures” will become the official voice and ambassador of the toll free-number 016.
8. How It Works
Expected Outcomes:
Establishment of the first national green line dedicated to mental health inMadagascar;
Increased public awareness and understanding of mental health disorders;
A higher number of people referred to professional support services;
Reduction in untreated suicidal thoughts;
A gradual decrease in the suicide rate;
Creation of a national network of partners committed to suicide prevention.
9. Innovation
The 016 project stands out through an innovative approach that combines urban culture, music, public health, and communication technologies.
By leveraging the unifying power of Hip-Hop culture and the “16 Mesures” event, a simple concert will evolve into a permanent platform for suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and access to support services.
This strategy makes it possible to reach young people through an environment that feels familiar to them, while facilitating access to professional listening and assistance services.
“16 is the measure we take!”
Why “16 Mesures”?
In music, a measure (or bar) is a unit of time that divides a composition into equal rhythmic sections. In Hip-Hop, the rhythm and the verse come together, and a standard rap verse is traditionally composed of 16 bars (measures). This structure has become a universal standard in rap songwriting and performance, giving artists the space to tell stories, express emotions, and deliver meaningful messages.
By choosing the name "16 Mesures," the project embraces this iconic element of Hip-Hop culture while symbolizing two key values:
Connecting with the public: The concept is simple, dynamic, and accessible, allowing audiences to experience a variety of artists andperformances within a single event while maintaining energy and engagement.
Celebrating Hip-Hop culture: The name pays tribute to the authentic traditions and artistic codes of Hip-Hop, while making them approachable and meaningful to a broader audience beyond the Hip-Hop community.
Ultimately, 16 Mesures represents more than a musical structure—it is a platform where every artist is given the opportunity to share their voice, inspire others, and use music as a tool for social dialogue, cultural expression, and positive change. Through this unique space, Hip-Hop becomes a powerful vehicle for creativity, dialogue, and meaningful social impact.
The "16 Mesures" Live Concert
World Mental Health Day will be celebrated on Saturday, October 10, 2026. To mark this important occasion, Hip Hop Works Madagascar (HHWM) will present "16 Mesures," a unique cultural event that brings together legendary pioneers and the new generation of Malagasy Hip-Hop artists on one stage.
More than just a concert, 16 Mesures Live is a celebration of music, culture, and social impact. The event will showcase the diversity, creativity, and evolution of Malagasy Hip-Hop while providing a platform for artists to inspire, educate, and engage audiences through meaningful performances.
The concert will also mark the long-awaited reunion of several iconic Hip-Hop collectives, creating a unique opportunity to celebrate the rich history of Malagasy Hip-Hop while highlighting its future. By bringing together artists from different generations, 16 Measures Live promotes cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and community unity, reinforcing the role of Hip-Hop as a powerful force for positive social change and mental health awareness.
Contacts :
Communications : +261 32 26 706 82 (Ishram)
Marketing and Partnerships : +261 34 36 220 31 (Cédric)
Coordinator : +261 34 67 502 25 (Tantely)