Seychellois youths learn from Mizik Dan Lapo of Mauritius |14 November 2016

Some of the performances during the certificate presentation ceremony

Youths from Seychelles and Mauritius have been able to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of each other’s culture after taking part in a week-long exchange programme.

On Friday, members of the Mauritian music school – Mizik Dan Lapo – and the Seychelles junior percussionist group performed for a crowd at the Theatre des Palmes.

The youngsters demonstrated their skills playing the moutya drums, djembe and other instruments just before being presented with their certificates.

Organised by the Seychelles Music Association (Seymas), the shows was graced by Seychellois musicians, namely Norville Ernesta, Hubert Poiret, Elvis Renaud and Elvis Mellie who passed on their skills and knowledge to the children through music workshops.

Culture principal secretary Benjamine Rose said such exchanges between the two islands should continue adding that “we hope to have future exchanges so we can further learn from each other and promote our traditional music.”

Mizik Dan Lapo leader Jasmine Toulouse said the exchange has been a success and has allowed 10 young members of her group to learn about the Seychelles’ culture and language.

“They were happy to learn about the music, the people, language and culture, which although close to ours are somehow different. It was an enriching experience,” said Jasmine Toulouse.

Comprising 20 members and originating from Rivière Noire, Mizik Dan Lapo regroups less fortunate children aged between 7 and 16. The group set up in 2014 offers free music lessons twice weekly where the youngsters learn to play traditional Mauritian musical instruments such as the ravanne, maravanne, triangle and conga.

Mizik Dan Lapo emerged as the grand winner of the Sega Tipik competition ahead of 24 other Mauritian groups, but only the 10 children  who took part in the competition travelled to Seychelles for the exchange programme.

A group of young Seychellois musicians are expected to travel to Mauritius for a similar exchange.