Seychelles hosts first Poetry Festival - Great turn-out on opening night |23 March 2017

The International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) was jam packed for the opening of the first ever Poetry Festival entitled ‘Bling Bling Nod’ to commemorate World Poetry Day (WPD).

The ceremony took place on Tuesday evening in the presence of the Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Idith Alexander, the Minister for Health and Social Affairs Jean-Paul Adam, the chief executive (CEO) of the National Arts Council (NAC) Jimmy Savy, poets, among other guests.

Held on March 21 each year, WPD is a time to appreciate and support poets and poetry around the world.

The mastermind behind the festival in Seychelles is Bling Bling (poetry association) chairman Tony ‘Raspyek’ Joubert with the help of the department of culture, NAC and the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps).    

The night was filled with poetry in diverse languages such as English, French, Creole and Malagasy.

Local poets were also present to showcase their talents just by using words to express what they feel. They included Marie Antoinette, Josh Wild, Enrico Ernesta, Georgette Larue, Helda Marie, Audrey Volcère and Stephanie Joubert.

Three international poets  ̶  Phinda Mkhonta of Swaziland, Jawex of Reunion and Little Jo of Madagascar  ̶  were also present to give more prestige to the event.

The chief executive of Nac, Jimmy Savy, stated that such festival will enable local poets to promote their talent.

He also said that poetry needs to be more treasured in schools.

“Poetry it is a way for artists to express themselves through verbal skill and expression. Since last year much work has been done so that we could have a platform to promote our poets. Poetry needs to start in schools so that children can appreciate the true meaning of this art form. It will also allow poetry to develop in our society,” he said.

A representative from Ceps, Jude Fred, added that ‘Bling Bling’ has achieved a lot since its official launch last year.

“‘Bling Bling’ wanted to create a poetry festival to promote poetry, and today this dream has come true. Poets now have a platform to promote their art,” he said.

The ceremony was also punctuated by songs from Raspyek and Isham, Fastidious and Jude.

The festival continued yesterday with a poetry recital at the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education (Site) at Mont Fleuri.

The accompanying pictures show some of the poets in action during the opening ceremony.