Artists Corner
– Didier Jeewooth
Rosemay Nelson
Rosemay Nelson put her voice at the service of music, society and politics. This great artist has captured the hearts of all Mauritians with her own rendering of the oldest and most nostalgic local lullaby, “La Rivyer Tanye”.
Rosemay made her firt steps in music at a very tender age. Sh attempted several styles, and remains a pure product of the mixed Mauritian music.
– Gaëtan Abel
Ti-frer
He goes by the name of Ti-frer (little brother) but he is in fact the Grand Frère (elder brother) of all local musicians. Alphonse Ravaton was born on the 22nd April 1900 and died on the 17th June 1992 leaving behind a huge musical and cultural heritage to inspire generations of artists in the country.
With his triangle reverberating the rhythm of the séga, he has bequeathed to all his countrymen tthis age-old music which was born out of the sufferings of his slave ancestors. Each séga is a tribute to his infinite talent.
– Gaëtan Abel
Serge Roussety
I have known Serge Roussety as an author / composer and entertainer for many years. He was also the Manager of two well-known hotels in Rodrigues, Pointe Venus Hotel (1982) and Les Cocotiers Hotel (1990).
I remember the last time that we sang together, it was during a Rodriguan Night at the Hotel Ambre in Mauritius. It was so special and I’ll never forget this night as it was the last show that we did together.
Serge Roussety is no more, but his songs are still alive in the hearts of all Rodriguans. Very often we can hear people humming some of his titles.
Thank you Serge for the precious heritage you have left for us.
– Doyal Edouard
Woodraduth pokhun
Woodraduth Pokhun was one of our most renowned Hindi and Bhojpuri singers during the pre-independence period. He was endowed with a gifted voice which he used, especially during the eves of Hindu marriages ‘the gamat’, which were held on Saturday nights.
On these occasions he expressed his emotions through his melodious voice to the accompaniment of the harmonium.
– Dharam Takah
Jacques Cantin
He had the gift of the gab, but he was also a great listener and entertainer. The radio was his medium, and his words were his life spirit. As soon as you start talking, he looks at you and is all ears.
After some time, he does the talking and you listen, leaving no space for you to drop a word. When ultimately you leave him, you start singing all alone.
After the Second World War, Jacques Cantin and his friends were the first to operate an amateur radio in Mauritius. He was a lover of the sea, he liked conversation, but he also appreciated solitude.
– Marcel Poinen
Kaya
The ‘K’ in Kaya (joseph Reginald Topize) stands for Kreation and Kulture. Of all the variations on the “Séga Typique” created by Ti-frer, the one by Kaya has gained universal popularity.
The listener gets immediately immersed in his lyrics and allows himself to be swayed by the rhythm of his music which is a marvellous mix of the séga and the reggae.
Called too early by the Maker, at the age of 38, Kaya has left a vacuum which still remains to be filled.
– Gaëtan Abel
Coulouce
You could often see him with his guitar on the pavement at Moka Street in Port Louis. He used to discuss his thoughts with his friends. Coulouce liked sharing his experiences, and he sang about himself.
He lived as free as a bird which knew no boundaries. He has gifted his songs to generations of Mauritians, now and to come.
– Marcel Poinen
Roger Augustin
Roger Augustin is another of our eminent local artists. His melodies remain the source of happiness of our tradition. He has immensely contributed to enable the séga to preserve its dignity.
It requires a special perception when it comes to listening to his songs. Whether it is ‘Ça ki apel ou ena toupet’, ‘Ki to le mo fer’ or ‘Sega Mama’, the particularity of his songs has a unique musical colour which reflects his personality.
His presence in this collection is proof of the great respect that he deserves. There was once the séga ….. on a tune by Roger Augustin.
– Gérard Louise
Ras Ti Lang
Ras Ti Lang, Brigitte Jean Webb by his real name. will forever remain in the hearts of Mauritians who have a special penchant and fondness for the seggae.
He produced only two albums but they were both matchless. They reverberated a blend of typical Mauritian and Jamaican rhythms.
Ras Ti Lang departed too soon. We had only just started getting the full measure of his talent.
– Hansley Antoine
The séga is a living folk heritage of Mauritius. Its origins are still hazy, but legend has it that the séga was born in the holds of ships coming with loads of male and female slaves from mainland Africa and Madagascar.
The evolution and growth of the séga is an interesting story. However, the wealth of music that is encompassed within this set is a rich and fitting tribute to all those who have contributed to give the séga its rightful place on the shrine of artistic creation.
From Ti-frer to Ras Ti Lang, this casket celebrates the wealth of Mauritian folk music, a music so rich in melody and harmony.
Let’s celebrate…
– Didier Jeewooth