Mauritius asserts its own traditional music through its musicians.   A style along with a rhythm that was once condemned became the identity of a whole country thanks to a Sega lover.    

The Séga.  It's a joyful melody that is punctuated by the rumbling sound of the "ravanes," typical tambourines (see plates).  An air of music that one can hear even before landing on the ground of Mauritius, aboard the local airline.  It echoes all across the country, from radios to popular parties.  Behind this passion lies a man:  Serge Lebrasse, a living monument of the local music.             

At 77, this man is still energetic.  He collects trophies and awards that he mostly owes thanks to a rich musical career.  A journey that was indeed difficult for this artist who sealed his destiny with the Séga.   

According to researchers, the Séga draws its roots in Africa.  In the early days, this music was solely played by the slaves as a vehicle of communication, in addition to its entertaining facet.  It also accompanied the rituals coupled with the events that cropped up in their lives.  After the abolition of slavery in 1838, it remains confined to the civilian zone amongst the poorest levels of the society.        

"I asked myself why not bring the Sega in the cities since it's a purely Mauritian music that belongs to us.  There, I have been disowned and rejected by, at least some members of my family," recalled the singer.  "There was this difference in the class system."  Son of an assistant accountant and having received a "middle class" education, Lebrasse has overstepped the prejudices to free this music.  He learnt to appreciate and play the Sega during the years he spent in the countryside with unrecognized masters of this discipline.             

"I decided to enhance the Séga by incorporating the guitar and other similar instruments," continued Lebrasse.  A brilliant idea.  It was at the beginning of the 50s.  A revolution because, until then this local music was being played a capella against a percussion backdrop.  After a few trials, the coronation then "Madame Eugène" was a hit.  A lyrics where comical texts are depicted, recorded by the police orchestra, the best one at that time.  From philharmonic Sega on the vynil in cd racks in shops and on the radio.           

When the singer Isabelle Aurbrey along with Jean Ferrat, asked him to make a remake of the song "Alé baba," recognition emerges.  The Sega has crossed all borders to become an ambassador of Mauritius.   

The Sega along with Serge Lebrasse have always been present to welcome the celebrities such as the Queen of the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister of India, Mrs Indira Gandhi, the Princess Diana or yet the former French President François Mitterand during their visit to Mauritius.   

The decorations shower as much from the country as from elsewhere.  Amongst them, the title "Member of the British Empire" and the medal of "Queen Elizabeth 2 Jubilee" are portrayed. 

But, like his music, beyond the stage and instruments' artifices, Lebrasse remains simple.  A phone call: "it was someone whom I sung at his wedding 33 years ago.  He wants me to sing at the wedding of her daughter which will be held in December.  I replied: with pleasure" he confided gently and added "there'll be lots of foreigners amongst the guests and the man wants them to experience a typically Mauritian atmosphere."      

Text and photos: William Rasoanaivo - August 2007