Local cultural and Rastafarian communities lose ‘Rwa Daniel’ A loyal of son of Africa, through his commitment in promoting the continent’s local cultural influence and heritage, Danny Nicholas Dufrene, affectionately known as ‘Rwa Daniel’ left us suddenl |10 August 2022

‘Rwa Daniel’

A loyal of son of Africa, through his commitment in promoting the continent’s local cultural influence and heritage, Danny Nicholas Dufrene, affectionately known as ‘Rwa Daniel’ left us suddenly on Sunday morning.

The untimely demise of ‘Rwa Daniel’ came as a shock for everyone who knew him, both for his artistic talent, as well as his good sense of humanity, especially in spreading the good words, and always providing good advice to others.

Considered as an elder by the local Rastafarian community, ‘Rwa Daniel’ was born on November 10, 1959 and is the second in a family of seven children. He also has three older siblings from his father’s previous relationship.

Born and raised in the district of Bel Air, he started working at Modern Printing, before moving to Silhouette Cruise when the company closed.

Married for 38 years, ‘Rwa Daniel’ has a son and a daughter, and has also been blessed with one grandchild.

He has been described as an exemplary father, being a friend, mentor, counsellor and advisor to his children.

During his early days, ‘Rwa Daniel’ was also active in sports where he was part of the Bel Air football team, playing alongside the likes of Vernay Dubois and Alex Labiche.

It was his passion for music and poetry that led him onto the local artistic scene, performing alongside ‘Bling  Bling Poetry’ – where he gained the status of honorary member – and also chanting and playing his Djembe drums at various local formal events.

He was also a co-founder of the Africa Friendship Association (Afa), along with the late Achille ‘Kwame’ Luc.

The association has represented the country at many international forums, including a United Nations workshop on discrimination in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2011 where some 20 African states were represented. It was aimed at promoting African culture and arts.

Through Afa, along with ‘Kwame’, ‘Rwa Daniel’ has helped to host exhibitions on great African personalities and Seychellois with African diaspora.

They also gave talks in schools on African perspectives, teaching percussion, and also took part in exchange programmes with the crew on board the ‘Peace Boat’ during its regular visits.

It was the success of activities organised by Afa that brought recognition from the Ministry of Culture at that time, and led to their joining forces and hosting what is known today as ‘FetAfrik’ – the annual event in May showcasing African culture and tradition.

For that, ‘Rwa Daniel’ received an award of recognition from the Mayor of Victoria David Andre for his contribution.

‘Rwa Daniel’ also partnered with DJ Clint Alexander in performing as the Rockers Almighty sound system, known for their roots Reggae performance, especially their dubs.

“It is a great loss for Rockers Almighty sound system and for everyone who knew him,” said DJ Clint who also noted that ‘Rwa Daniel’ was a humble soul, who stood firm for Rastafari and always promoting peace and love.

He added that ‘Rwa Daniel’ really loved the song entitled ‘War’ by Bob Marley which has been extracted from an address made by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie of Ethiopia to the United Nations on October 6, 1963.

“Whenever we were performing together or reasoning and talking about spirituality, he always had a good spirit, and when he was on the microphone, he was like a poet, touching people’s soul with his teaching,” added DJ Clint.

“When my work is over, I will fly away home was our last song played together, and he would say, ‘forever loving Jah’,” DJ Clint said.

Tony ‘Raspyek’ Joubert of Bling Bling Poetry remembers ‘Rwa Daniel’ as a Rastafari elder who led chant during Nyahbinghi gatherings of Rastafarians to celebrate and commemorate key dates significant to Rastafari throughout the year.

“He was a big brother, a father, and our relationship went beyond friendship,” added Raspyek, who said that at the moment, this is the main cause of heartache, when thinking that ‘Rwa Daniel’ is not around anymore.

“He had supported me all throughout my poetic journey since the beginning, be it with a chant, or a prayer, or even moral support,” said Raspyek who added that ‘Rwa Daniel’ was always present with his djembe at every single recital, also adding backing vocal.

Raspyek further added that ‘Rwa Daniel’ was a cool and calm person, always ready to listen, pacifying many situations and sharing love.

“Live good and let your work be seen was his famous quote,” added Raspyek, saying ‘Rwa Daniel’s absence is already being felt, and always will be heartbreaking.

Young poet Loura Barra, also from Bling Bling, described ‘Rwa Daniel’ as a good, decent, honest and loyal person, always joyful and walked around with a positive energy, touching everyone around him.

“To the Bling Bling Poetry family, he was our big brother, always around, never missed one of our meetings or functions, and that is how joyful and kind-spirited ‘Rwa Daniel’ was,” said Loura, who further added that he will be greatly missed, but forever remembered.

Seychelles NATION wishes to express its sincere condolences to the family and friends of ‘Rwa Daniel’.

‘When my work is over, I will fly away home’…

Roland Duval