The Sega

A symbol of Mauritian folklore, the Sega is part of the inheritance of the black people who were forced to leave their native Africa. Reminiscent of a nation's painful history, the Sega echoes in the hearts of the population as a souvenir of their distant lands.  Drawing its sources from an Africa full of generosity, bitterness, pleasure and sufferings, the Sega is accompanied by three fundamental instruments: the "ravanne," the "maravanne" and the "triangle." 
The Sega is also a dance that originated during the 18^th century at the time of slavery.  It is synonymous with hope and liberty. 

The Sega is not only a style of music with lovely melodies.  The lyrics of these Creole songs also often convey a positive message that evokes a distant past, from the days of slavery, as well as the daily life along with its difficulties.  There are messages of peace, courage, hope, love, separation, birth and death. The whole body, including the hips, must let itself be swayed by the pulsating rhythm of the "ravanne..."
Over the years, the traditional Sega has evolved.  The modern Sega incorporates contemporary instruments instead of traditional ones.  Today, drums, bass, electric guitars and other synthesisers have replaced the traditional instruments.                         

However, it would be unfair to suggest that these changes have had a negative impact as this music is now renowned the world over as "world music" and therefore the culture of this whole nation along with it...Even Maxime Le Forestier did a remake of the song, Ambalaba. 

When performing the women wear full-length multicoloured skirts and the men, a shirt and a loose pair of trousers.  It is true that the Sega that is represented in these folkloric shows has lost the authenticity of yesteryear when it was played on the beach around a campfire whilst one danced spontaneously...but it is also through this folkloric aspect that the sometimes forgotten culture of the black people and the Mauritians, in general, is revived.

The Sega has one peculiarity:  although it owes its origins to Africa, it does not exist anywhere on the continent.  The Sega is mainly present, in Réunion Island and the Seychelles as well as the other islands that are governed by Mauritius such as Agaléga, Diégo Garcia, Saint Brandon and Rodrigues.  However, it varies from country to country.  For example the Sega in the Seychelles has a slower rhythm.                 

The famous artists

 Ti Frère
Alphonse Ravaton, also known as Ti Frère has made his name in the history of Mauritius and that of the traditional Sega.  His parents were modest labourers, from the village of Quartier Militaire.  He became a mythical image of the Mauritian music scene.  In 1964, he was crowned as the "king of Sega" and awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services rendered to the arts.  He died at the age of 92.            

He is notably remembered for "La Grain Café,"  "Anita", "Roséda", "Baré", "Qui A Balayé Là ?", "Angeline," "Ti Pierre Ti Paul", "Noir noir", "Colère prend moi" and  "Papitou..."

Cassiya
Being one of the most popular bands on the island, Cassiya has shaped the musical history of Mauritius.  Over the years, it has accompanied the life of each and every Mauritian with its' much sought-after melodies and lyrics.
With hit after hit, the band has made a name for itself on the international scene and has, as a result, become the legitimate Mauritian musical ambassador in Europe.  In 1996, the band performed in the mythical music hall of Olympia in Paris and also represented Mauritius at the Music Festival held at the Zénith in 2001.  Although Cassiya no longer exists as a band today, it has left a memorable mark amongst the Mauritians as being one of the most, or even the most, loved and respected band, in the country. 

Their major hits were "Séparation, L'oiseau, Kitolé, Naryé pas éfasé, Ici kot nu été, Le Morne, Mamzel l'amour, Diégo, and Voisin Voisine..."

The Seggae

The Seggae is a fusion of the Sega and the reggae.  Originating during the 1980's, this musical style soon became popular thanks to the message of peace and tolerance that it conveys.  It was created by the Seggaeman Kaya, who died tragically in1999. 
Today, several artists continue the struggle for a fairer world.  Some of the most famous Seggaemen are OSB, Crew, Ras Natty Baby and Racine Tatane.

Kaya
Kaya, alias Joseph Reginald Topize was a committed artist and much loved amongst the Mauritians.  On 21^st February 1999, this popular singer and Seggae creator died tragically in a Mauritian jail.  Both the music world and the whole country were deeply shaken by his death.  Every year, numerous events are organised all across the Indian Ocean in order to pay tribute to him. 
This artist wanted a better world...He fought for human rights and against injustice by exposing the lies of the government at the time, corruption and racism...    

Among his hits were "Seggae Man," "Simé la lumière," "Chante l'amour" and "Fam Dan Zil."