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Posted by Culture Press on 13/10/2007, 9:10 pm BY EDDY ABRAHAM OAM The Creole Festival had a premature opening in Melbourne, with a séga extravaganza performed by the famous Mauritian artist Jean-Claude Gaspard, on Saturday 6 October. He was the guest of Christian Calou, the President of the Mauritian Native Arts Foundation. Jean -Claude performed his séga hits in front of an audience of about 350 guests at the Gaelic Park Hall. Among his repertoire were, “ Mauritius welcomes you, Ou bon my love, La case maman, Faire l’amour pas faire la guerre, Pisspot, Laisse mo trappe ou la main “ and of course “Dhobi de classe” which received a rousing cheer from the audience. Jean-Claude who is now among the doyens of Mauritian séga singers, said he has séga in his blood, being the son of another séga great, late Roger Augustin. He has graced the international stage in cultural shows in Vanuatu, New Zealand, Canada, Austria, China and Australia. He praised the Foundation set up by Christian Calou. “It will unite Creoles, give recognition to their culture and educate the next generation of Mauritians in Australia about séga culture” he said. “I’ve never heard that there was voodoo in séga. Maybe it was to throw dirt on Creoles and on séga. We need to inform where séga originates”, was his reaction regarding an Australian newspaper article which reported that “séga is linked to voodoo cults”. He said the article needed a rebuttal. Jean-Claude who already holds a Certificate and Badge of Honour in the cultural field, received another accolade during his séga cabaret. Christian Calou presented him with the “Etoile de la Créolophonie Award” for his contribution to Mauritian folkloric music. Other recipients of the Award (in absentia) were, Marclaine Antoine, Fanfan and Serge Lebrasse. Here are some comments gathered from the audience about the séga extravaganza. Dolly Atchia,”Dynamic. He is one in a million. We had the privilege to see him tonight and I think that’s wonderful. People of all age groups really enjoyed his performance” Glen Kleesh (Australian). “ I’ve never been to a séga performance before and I like it very much. Great atmosphere and being a musician myself, I can recollect what everything is all about. It’s entertaining and once you get the rhythm, you can dance. I would like to come again next time”. Jocelyne Moutia,(holidaying in Melbourne). “ I was surprised to see the Creole community tonight. There is no distinction. Every social strata of the Creole community is here tonight. I do not know Christian Calou who organised the festival but he is doing a fantastic job, bringing artists one by one from Mauritius, especially to help young children in Mauritius through his Foundation, is great”. Nadège Carver. “ Everybody is having a great time. It is super. Christian Calou is very talented. He is an activist artist. I applaud him for what he is doing at the moment”. Sonny Morgan, (a Seychellois artist). “ Jean-Claude is the father of séga. We all respect him.Wherever he performs in the world, people like myself, look up to him. We have been inspired by Jean-Claude. It is very good for Christian to bring artists to perform here. Being from a small island, we all want to get recognition. It’s good to get exposure. We want our music to be heard”. Jean-Noel Moutou. “ I think Jean-Claude brings a lot of ambiance in the soirée. Séga, regardless of age, will always have an effect on Mauritian people and Jean-Claude has that spirit of Mauritian séga. I think all ages will respond to that”. Magalie Péril. “ I really like his performance tonight. I really think he touched the public and I like his music. He is a good performer.” EDDY ABRAHAM. OAM.
124.176.156.145
JEAN-CLAUDE GASPARD, A BIG HIT IN MELBOURNE.
Melbourne.
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