Praslin band members discuss cultural tourism with minister |28 August 2014

The Praslin based musical group Island Vibration under the leadership of Bertin Telemaque was formed in 1996 and has six members, all of whom are of Praslin origin.  The local band is one that is appreciated for its lively performances of a variety of music ranging from sega to reggae, to soft and dance music.  
Island Vibration today performs five times a week in hotels like Paradise Sun, Constance Lemuria, La Reserve and the Côte D'Or Lodge.  In between its busy schedule, Island Vibration also has time to entertain at weddings and parties.

Bertin Telemaque and Tony Accouche, two members of the band, travelled to Mahé recently to meet the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange.

Also present at the meeting were the principal secretary for culture Benjamine Rose, the chief executive of the National Arts Council (Nac) Jimmy Savy and other cultural officials.

The meeting discussed new avenues of promoting cultural tourism on Praslin through artistic and cultural performances.
The musicians expressed the need to have local house bands in hotels whereby the tourists can enjoy local creole music and enjoy a feel of our traditional dances and music.

The Ministry of Tourism and Culture is encouraging all hotels to work with the community of artists to offer an authentic cultural experience to our visitors.

This falls in line with the incentive scheme of 125% tax return that hotels can benefit if they offer local artistic and cultural entertainment to their guests.

The band also welcomed the initiative to have Creole nights organised at community level where everyone, local and tourists alike, can appreciate good local music for a night out to dance and where authentic Seychelles Creole cuisine will also be served. This request is seen as a sure way of bringing cultural awareness to the public and also reviving the idea of having local bands playing which was very popular in the 70s and 80s. There is at present a segment of the population who would like to have a night out and enjoy the sound of a good band at affordable prices. But sadly nowadays this kind of market is not being catered for.

All the points discussed at the meeting were well appreciated, both by the minister and his cultural delegation and it has been agreed that the launch of the 1st Creole ball on Praslin will be announced in the first edition of the Praslin Culinary and Art Fiesta which will be held from September 5-7 this year.

Contributed