The school of mutia drums resonated in the city of Victoria on Saturday night, as the singers and dancers of different ages came together to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.
This was to mark the closing of the first Lafet Moutya Sesel.
Organized by Lazans Kreativ Sesel (CSA), the first celebration of the Drum School around Lorloz was a public event where many gathered from early on, in celebration of this traditional place that was recently recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( Unesco), as a form of intangible heritage.
Four different groups that include musicians, as well as dancers and dancers, liven up Pierre de Possession Street, which was closed especially for this event, beginning at 7pm until well after 8.30. Among these four groups was ‘Fek Arive’ from Mahé, ‘Wwazen’ also from Mahé, ‘Latanier’ from Praslin, and also the group ‘Masezarin’ from La Digue.
For this event, like all the others organized during the past week as part of this festival, the dancers and dancers were mixed – the third and the youngest, under the creative direction of Raymond Clarisse.
After each group performed individually, they joined together for a special performance that was well appreciated by the audience. Many seized an opportunity to show their talent as well and celebrate this in the traditional way, by joining the dancers and dancers in thousands of weeks.
Following this spectacle around the clock, the troupe went to Camion Hall where the Seychellois Enterprise Agency (Esa) also organized a special event to coincide with the mutia festival.
“It’s really interesting, and I would be happy if those concerned can organize more similar events. As a parent, for me it makes sense for me to relive my childhood, when we used to go to each other at school or in the district with our grandparents. It’s also interesting for my children, because they can see a piece of our culture, their experience as well, even if it’s not quite the same experience. But, only, it makes sense for them to see the way the bands before us practiced our traditions,” Mrs. Sheila Dupres said.
Likewise, Mrs. Myriam Freminot shared with Seychelles NATION her happiness that the mutia has finally found its place in Seychelles.
“For a long time, we are supposed to be emphasizing our traditions, traditions and culture that are being lost. I am always happy, and bring my support for such things, because the generations that are coming up will not know, will not have the sense to learn the different aspects of our culture if there is no promotion, and such activities. It should not be just once, but something that happens from time to time,” he said.
During the week, several activities were organized such as the mutia workshop to learn more about this and how to make mutia drums aimed at young people, a special evening for visitors who are on vacation in Seychelles at the Club Med hotel, St Anne, as well well what a spectacular celebration on Saturday.
Our selection of portraits shows the atmosphere during this busy Saturday night around the clock in the city center.
Source: Seychelles Nation
