Music is an important part of the culture. Sharing music from one culture to another allows people to gain an understanding of another way of life. The relationship between culture and music can be summarized as; culture ensures people’s survival, and music contributes to that goal by bringing people together.
While Mauritius beaches and food remain to be the main tourist attractions, we must not forget that Mauritius is known for its music too. It is home to many exceptional musicians, many of whom have advanced to international levels over the years. Sega, Mauritian traditional music, is an important part of the country’s folklore and culture. Let us have a look at the relationship between Mauritian culture and music. Let’s start!
Mauritius Music
Sega Music – Mauritian Traditional Music
Sega is one of Mauritius’ most well-known music and dance forms. This region’s other popular genres include zouk, soukous, and reggae. Mauritian artists produce the most sega, reggae, and seggae music styles. Many jazz and blues musicians perform on the island as well. Artists have evolved into hip hop, soul, club, dubstep, and techno in recent years.
It is typically sung in their mother tongue, Creole It is thought to be a musical expression of the Mauritian way of life, full of life and joy. Sega necessitates the use of traditional musical instruments such as a goat-skin covered drum, ravanne, maravanne, and the triangle.
Sega Music’s History and Influence in Mauritius
The origins of sega are unknown. Many people believe that this traditional dance and music form originated during the time of slavery. It was sung by men and women who were sold as slaves but whose souls remained musically sensitive. Sega has evolved into an important part of Mauritian folklore and culture. It is widely accepted as a form of self-expression. Mauritian sega has also been designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Instruments Of Mauritian Music
The original, traditional instruments have given way to more modern and conventional instruments such as the electric guitar, bass, and drums. The Ravanne, triangle, and Maravanne are the primary instruments used in sega music. Different islands make their own versions of sega by incorporating different instruments, but these three remain the heartbeat of traditional sega music. These three essential instruments set the tempo and lead the dance while keeping the melody.
Mauritian Music Ambassadors And Popular Mauritian Artists
Ti Frere, Marlene Ravaton, Serge Lebrasse, and Fanfan are some well-known traditional sega singers from Mauritius. Ti Frere, an illiterate musical genius, was crowned “King of Sega.” Despite his fame, he lived in abject poverty. Farfan is a well-known poet, composer, and storyteller. He’s been dubbed the “Griot of Mauritius.” He is one of the last Mauritian singers to perform traditional sega ravanne. Desire Francois, Alain Ramanisum, and Ziakazom are the most well-known Mauritian sega artists. Other notable Mauritius artists include Zulu and The Prophecy.
While in Mauritius, you will undoubtedly encounter a diverse range of music. Sega, Mauritian traditional music, beautifully expresses the joy and vibrancy of the Mauritian way of life. Mauritian music has been influenced by a variety of sources and people of various descents over the years. It is rapidly advancing to international standards and gaining widespread acceptance.
Mauritius’ Musical Influences
1. Influence Of Bhojpuri
Indian immigrants are said to have brought instruments such as tabla and sitar with them, giving rise to the style of dance and music that exists today. Bhojpuri music from Mauritius is popular among people of Indian descent. It has recently gained mainstream popularity, thanks to artists such as The Bhojpuri Boys. Many people have been drawn to the fusion of traditional sega beats and Indian Bollywood-style music. Geet Gawai is a pre-wedding ritual that incorporates prayers, music, and dance. The Bhojpuri community in Mauritius follows this tradition. Popular Bhojpuri folk songs are frequently featured in the music.
2. Western Influence
Western music has also had a significant impact on Mauritian culture. Mainstream music, particularly rock music, is popular in this country. Artists from the 1960s and 1970s, such as Cliff Richard and Elvis Presley, have a massive fan base in Mauritius and have influenced Mauritian music a lot.
To Wrap Up:
Next time you’re in Mauritius, make sure that you treat your ears with the sega music. Also, there is a lot more to read about Mauritius tourism like the long beach in Mauritius island and other tourist attractions. You can read other blogs while Flamboyant Travel and Tours is here for you if you are planning to visit Mauritius.
