If the lockdown has got you bored, we've got the perfect idea for you. Have you tried listening to Mauritian music? We have compiled some of the most popular artists to keep you busy for a whole week.聽
Orizinal Blakkayo
We recently told you about him in the article 鈥�Blakkayo, singer, activist and back with a new album鈥�. Jean Clario G芒teaux, known as Blakkayo, recently released his brand new album 鈥淪oz serye鈥�. This album is a collection of 22 titles with the collaboration of several local artists, like The Prophecy, Jason Heera, and Laura Beg. But it also has a global touch. 鈥淪oz serye鈥� comes eleven years after "Love N Respect" which is still alive in the minds of his fans. His songs are a reflection of everyday life in Mauritius, including the social ills. His songs aim at promoting Mauritian values and encouraging change.
Kaya
You have perhaps heard of seggae, a mix of Mauritian sega and reggae inspired by the famous Bob Marley. Kaya, the founder of seggae, passed away on February 21, 1999. But his songs and his meaningful lyrics still resonate in Mauritian homes. Joseph R茅ginald Topize is also the founder of Racinetatane in Roche-Bois. Kaya's songs have influenced many Mauritian artists over the years. Some even paid tribute to him through their songs, such as Otentikk Street Brothers (OSB) with the track 鈥淩espect pou Kaya鈥�. "Seggae nu la mizik", "Seggae Man", "Racine p茅 bril茅", and "Sim茅 la limiere" are Kaya's most popular songs.
Cassiya
If you had the opportunity to attend a wedding or other social or family event in Mauritius, you might have heard the Mauritian sega and even danced to its tunes. Cassiya is a famous band whose songs are played on almost every occasion. 鈥淛ouni Jouna鈥�, 鈥淢arl猫ne鈥�, 鈥淐tyombo li鈥� are just a few of their best songs. Cassiya was founded in Cassis in 1992 by D茅sir茅 Fran莽ois and Alain Lafleur. Alain Ramanisum, G茅rard Louis, Eddy Armel, Jallil Auckbaraullee and Dominique Isidore joined in later. Cassiya has split since then but has left sweet memories in the minds of Mauritians. Cassiya has even performed in Reunion Island, France and Australia.
Alain Ramanisum
Alain Ramanisum pursued a solo career after leaving Cassiya. Today, he thrives not only in Mauritius and in Reunion Island but also in Europe, where he performs regularly. Alain Ramanisum aims at promoting the Mauritian sega all around the world. "L茅v茅 dans茅", "Li tourn茅" and "O la h茅" are some of his most popular songs. In fact, they are played on most occasions, including wedding receptions, birthday parties, etc. During his 27-year career, Alain Ramanisum had the opportunity to tour with many world-famous artists. He also won a gold award in France for the song "Li tourn茅".
Laura Beg
Laura Beg is not only Alain Ramanisum's wife but also a popular local artist. She sings not only modern sega but also seggae, reggae and zouk. She had the opportunity to perform not only on Reunion Island but also in Europe and Australia, both in solo and in duo with her better half. 鈥淭ik tik茅鈥�, 鈥淪avanne鈥�, 鈥淚mmensit茅 l'amour鈥�, 鈥淚nna dancehall time鈥�, and 鈥淎imer jusqu'脿 l'impossible鈥� are some of her best songs.
Eric Triton
You may have heard of him abroad. Eric Triton is a famous virtuoso guitarist from Mauritius. With his penetrating voice, he makes a harmonious blend of different musical genres such as sega, blues and jazz. This helped him create his own style: sega-blues. During his career, Eric Triton has performed in several European countries, including France and Switzerland. 鈥淏lues dan mwa鈥� and 鈥淣ation鈥� are two of his most popular songs. He sings in French and Creole to promote unity and harmony.
Linzy Bacbotte
"Infinity" is the title of Linzy Bacbotte's brand new album, another famous Mauritian artist. She made her debut in 1987, during a musical competition by the MBC. She has come a long way since then, with several albums and flagship titles such as "Tangalay", "La ros茅e tomb茅", "Mo mari peser", "Guidi guidi", "Maman", and "L'amour en abondance 鈥�. Linzy sings not only sega but also reggae, soul, and even opera. Her new album has been produced with the collaboration of Elijah, a singer from Seychelles. "Infinity" is a collection of 8 tracks, including solos and duets, mixing different musical genres, including dancehall and afrobeat.
