Seychelles mourns the loss of beloved music icon Celine Dine |04 May 2026

Celine Dine

Seychelles mourns the loss of beloved music icon Celine Dine

By Kassey Govinden

Seychelles is mourning the loss of yet another cherished figure in its music industry: singer and composer Celine Dine (née Didon), whose artistry shaped the nation’s musical culture for decades. She passed away on April 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate deeply.

Born in 1937, Celine was the fourth of twelve children. With two of her brothers already musicians, her love for music came naturally. In 1965, she left for Beirut, Lebanon, where she worked until 1971 before returning home to Seychelles to focus on her music and remain close to her mother. Just a few years later, in 1975, she recorded her first song, ‘Anmenn mwan mon pti avyon’, which became an instant hit and remained popular for many years. Another of her timeless songs, ‘En roz i bezwen lapli’, further cemented her place in the hearts of Seychellois music lovers.

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