Second 'Moutya Festival' a resounding success |09 July 2015

After a first round of ‘moutya’ festivals across the country had proved successful, Seymas (Seychelles Musicians Association) has launched a second series of this cultural extravaganza.

Patel Esparon, the acting chairman of Seymas, flanked by Alain Bacco and other members of the association, were all present as they proudly launched the second series of 'Moutya Festival' last weekend at Anse Royale in the presence of a large rapturous crowd.

Moutya is the traditional dance of Seychelles where the sounds of the drums bring out the rhythm that originated from the macabre part of the island's history. Today the Seychellois people as a whole appreciate this cultural dance and the popularity of the sounds of the moutya drums have been heard right around the country since Seymas started staging such public performances that has been showcasing moutya to the young and old.

Mr Esparon invited Alain St Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, to join the musicians at Anse Royale to support them in their drive to bring the Seychelles culture to the people and help also in the promotion of creativity.

"It is really pleasing to see so many of our musicians gathered together to perform at an event that is bringing to the fore our local culture. On behalf of the ministry responsible for culture we salute them for standing up as defendants of the island's culture," said Minister St Ange as he discussed with the artists and the gathered crowd.

Jimmy Savy, the chief executive of the National Arts Council (Nac), said Seymas needs to be congratulated for their work that was helping to put the island's local music in its rightful place.

Mr Savy also reminded everyone that it was only one year since Seymas staged the first series of this musical event we now know as the 'Moutya Festival'.

Mr Savy also used the opportunity to highlight Minister St Ange’s continued commitment and support that has enabled artists and musicians to be better recognised as professionals with a real purpose.

Minister St Ange said Seymas needs to be congratulated for their commitment in their work for the development of music in Seychelles.

"I was present when Seymas organised their first series of what we are now calling the ‘Moutya Festival’. I followed the association and musicians as they toured Seychelles. Every time and on every single occasion thousands of Seychellois and visitors to Seychelles gathered to enjoy the sounds of local Seychellois music. Our culture is the one thing that unites us, and this is so because our culture exists because it is our very own people who were at the centre to build on what we have as culture today. When we say culture we are placing our people in the forefront," Minister St Ange said.  

He added that the Seychellois, young and old, should continue to be united behind the island's culture. 

The photo montage shows highlights of the ‘Moutya Festival’ at Anse Royale last weekend.