Launch of FetAfrik 2016 |27 May 2016

‘Africa must know Africa,’ says culture minister

Thrilling performance from a group of drummers from the south of Nigeria added to a touch of African dance and magic, Des who mesmerised the crowd with Zim boum; Jany who paid tribute to Miriam Makeba and other songs by the African Unity Choir, the National Cultural Troupe, Jean-Marc Volcy and the African Community Association…

Such was the African ambiance as the 2016 FetAfrik was officially launched by the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange on Wednesday evening at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles (ICCS).

Organised every year around May 25 which marks the creation of the African Union (AU) – formerly Organisation of African Unity (OAU) – in 1963, the event marks the celebration of one of the five origins of the Seychellois people. The other four origins being French, English, Indian and Chinese.

In the presence of other government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and of the National Assembly, members of communities from mainland Africa, artists and other culture enthusiasts, Minister St Ange wished everyone a happy Africa Day.

He described the day as a happy one, as he said “we celebrate one of the events that mark who we are as Seychellois”.

Commenting on the diverse origin of the Seychellois people, the culture minister said “we are virtually the rainbow people living in a melting pot of cultures which we believe in”.

He emphasised that as FetAfrik marks the era which represents the real start of our history, we need to realise that our connection to Africa is really deep.

“Appreciating the mainland is appreciating what we are and what we have achieved. We need to continue developing the pride of what we are and cannot lose track of the continent which has so much influence on our country,” Mr St Ange said.

He added that it is important to know where we come from in order to appreciate where we are and know where we are going. On this note, he remarked that we are happy to see Africa moving forward and that Seychelles has played a great role in this progress.

He however concluded that “Africa must know Africa”, if it is to grow and prosper.

Activities marking FetAfrik continue today with a gala dinner at 7pm at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay, with tickets costing R600. They continue tomorrow with mural paintings in the centre of Victoria as from 10am, an African dinner dance at the Espace building with tickets costing R250 and a musical show by Radio & Weasel at the Mini Stadium as from 8pm. Tickets for the show cost R100.

FetAfrik will end on Monday at 5.30pm with a public lecture and book exhibition at the National Cultural Centre.

The accompanying photographs show highlights of the various performances during the launch ceremony.